Dripping Springs Lacrosse traveled to Magnolia on Saturday, May 11, to rematch TMI Episcopal in the THSLL Class B State Semi-Finals. Despite a strong start, Drip ultimately fell to TMI, 5-16. TMI went on the next day to win the state final.
Humid white-gray clouds magnified the sun as it baked the metal grandstands of Memorial West High School. Forecasted late afternoon rain held off for the second State Semi-Final match of the day. The eventual winner of Dripping Springs vs TMI, fans had just learned, would face Highland Park B, who had pulled off a dramatic come from behind win against Lovejoy in overtime, less than an hour before.
At the first whistle, Drip’s Brandon Magat surprised TMI’s All State FOGO, Kaden Fenno by beating him, leading to a quick possession by Drip’s offense. Excitement and energy by both teams was palpable as Drip began to enthusiastically work their plan.
Tit-then-tat goals by TMI’s lefty, JP Tucker, and Drip’s Brady Taylor showed that Drip wasn’t the same team that had faced TMI earlier in the regular season. This Drip team was more hardened, prepared and dangerous. TMI dropped another two goals to close the first, TMI 3, Drip 1.
In the second quarter, TMI’s Fenno and their infamous 10 man ride began to overwhelm. They did what they’ve been doing to all of their opponents all season long: they gave TMI a huge time of possession advantage. TMI’s efficient offense didn’t waste their opportunities. One additional Drip goal by Kyle Parker brought the score to 2-9, with TMI well ahead at halftime.
Drip fought back in the second half with additional goals by Magat and Parker but they could never overcome TMI’s relentless Kenno, 10 Man Ride, and offense trifecta. The game ended 5-16, TMI.
For many seniors, this may have been their last lacrosse game. Emotions poured out after the game with supportive parents and fans welcoming heartbroken players as they walked out of the stadium gate.
All told, there’s nothing about the 2023–2024 season that Drip Lacrosse had to hang their heads about. As reported in the live THSLL State Semi-Final television broadcast by Gameon Sports Network, Drip overcame difficult numbers and financial odds to start the season. A huge roster split, initiated by revolting parents of the Freshmen and Sophomore classes, left Drip with few reserves and a complete build-fromzero project for the JV roster.
Expected junior starting attackman Noah Booth and starting senior midfielder Austin Reeves were lost to most of the season due to injuries. Despite all this, Drip went on to set individual and team records, win more games and go deeper in the playoffs than any other team in Drip Lacrosse history. It is a glorious testament to a special, unified group of coaches, players and their parents.
Drip piled up some epic stories as the season wore on. They won a game against Kingwood in the final second, a moment that all in attendance will never forget. They beat the excellent Kingwood and Alamo Heights clubs twice, a difficult thing to do. They overcame a difficult four game slide at mid-season to launch into a deep playoff run. They also vindicated their early loss to Smithson Valley with a resounding lopsided pounding in District competition.
It most certainly was a season for the ages. Before starting over, Drip Lacrosse will enjoy an annual banquet Thursday, May 16, to share memories, bestow awards and commemorate the season.
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