Another first: Monticello boys’ lacrosse wins 1st section playoff game in program history

Another first was checked off the to-do list for Monticello boys’ lacrosse. After winning the conference title for the first time ever, the Magic brought that energy into the Section 8 playoffs.

The team had never won a section playoff game. On Wednesday, May 29, that changed. Monticello hosted St. Cloud for the section quarterfinal matchup. It was a tough start for the Magic. They held most of the possession but trailed 1-0 and 2-1 during the first quarter.

After that though, it was almost all Magic the rest of the way. Monticello tied the game and scored two more in the waning moments of the first to take a 4-2 lead into the second.

By halftime, Monticello led 10-3. Callan Jacobson did his damage early, sniping two goals in the first half to get the team going. He also added an assist for a three-point afternoon. Garett Bauer put on a masterclass performance, winning seemingly every draw for Monticello.

Monticello won the game 13-7 and advanced to the section semifinals.

Gunnar Simon scored five goals and Aidan Widmark had four against the Crush. Jonny Sanchez and Austin McGill also scored. Michael Jones, Aiyden Zinnel, Brayden Dollard and Garett Bauer all had an assist.

The defense kept starting goaltender Ayden O’Brien from seeing much action. O’Brien made three saves on six shots on goal in 40 minutes. Ben Bauer played the final eight minutes in net and had one save on five shots.

Monticello played St. Michael-Albertville in the section semifinals on Tuesday. The Knights sport a senior-heavy lineup and are 1-0 against Monticello this season. STMA won the first matchup 18-7 on April 25 in Monticello.

If Garrett Bauer can control the draws and win Monticello possession like he did against St. Cloud, the Magic will have a chance at revenge.

The winner advances to the Section 8 Championship on Thursday between the winner of Moorhead and Sartell.