7 Seacoast girls and boys lacrosse teams with best chance to win state championship

One Seacoast high school lacrosse team took home a state championship last year, when the York High School boys celebrated a Maine Class B title.

Three Seacoast New Hampshire teams — Portsmouth boys and girls, and St. Thomas Aquinas girls — all reached state finals, falling one win short of state titles. The Portsmouth boys lost to Derryfield (12-11), the girls lost to Bedford (14-10), and St. Thomas lost to Bow (20-5).

All four are poised to get another crack at a championship this spring. Additionally, three more Seacoast teams could be writing their names in the history books with a championship in 2024.

Here are seven teams who can vie for a state championship, and the case and key wins for each.

GIRLS LACROSSE

NH DIVISION I

Portsmouth (12-2)

Games remaining: 2

The case: Well-oiled machine. Juggernaut. Powerhouse. All those words fit Portsmouth, and there are dozens of more ways to describe how good the Clippers have been this season in Division I.

A 119-37 scoring advantage for the Clippers in their last seven in-state games shows just how dangerous and potent Portsmouth is on the field.

Portsmouth's only two losses have come against Souhegan (15-14) and Massachusetts stalwart Central Catholic (13-11). Portsmouth ends the regular season Friday at Souhegan for a chance at some redemption.

Senior Annie Parker, one of the best players in the state, powers an offense that is ferocious, but also unselfish, which makes the Clippers nearly impossible to guard.

Morgan Ruhnke, another player considered among the best in the state, along with Ginger Vinciguerra and Lily Patterson, give the Clippers three more offensive threats, while goalie Sage Bussiere is keeping opponents off the scoreboard.

"Throughout our season, our team has remained highly focused on our end goal," Portsmouth head coach JoJo Curro said. "Approaching the tournament is no different from playing any other in-season game; we take it one game at a time. We put in the work during practice, make adjustments and apply them during games. We always emphasize that everything we do, we do together, and that's precisely what we need to maintain our momentum. We're excited to keep competing, playing Portsmouth lacrosse and working towards our ultimate goal."

Key wins: Bishop Guertin (12-11), Bedford (10-7), Pinkerton (11-9), Exeter (21-8)

NH DIVISION II

Winnacunnet (15-1)

Games remaining: 2

The case: Does any team in Division II want to get in front of Winnacunnet? The Warriors are a perfect 14-0 in Division II games; its only loss coming against Division I Bishop Guertin.

The Warriors, coming off a semifinal appearance a year ago, are stout on both ends of the field.

Sky Mace, Shea Graham, Reese Gandt and McKinley Fowler anchor a talented and deep offensive unit, while goalie Cadence Oleniak limits opposing scoring opportunities.

Winnacunnet has beaten four of the top six ranked teams in the division, with a matchup with Hollis-Brookline (9-5) still on the horizon.

Key wins: Windham (10-7), Timberlane (16-7), Merrimack Valley (15-2), Goffstown (12-9), Hanover (12-6)

NH DIVISION III

St. Thomas Aquinas (13-0)

Games remaining: 1

The case: The last time STA lost a game? You'd have to go back to last year's state championship game against Bow — a destination the Saints would like to reach in 2024.

STA has been a powerhouse this season, scoring 20 or more goals in six of its wins, and more than 13 in all 12 wins. No team has scored 10 goals against the Saints. Derryfield, with nine, has scored the most.

From scoring milestones reached by Megan Leahy, Cat Vetter and Charlotte De Tolla, to major contributions from Kat Dornan, Kensley Harris and more, STA could very well be the last team standing next month.

"To say we're proud of these ladies and the work they have done this season is an understatement," STA head coach Jill Carroll said. "They show up to every practice and game willing to put in 110%. We have had a few close games that have tested us as a team. We know we'll face a lot of competition in the tournament, and as coaches we're hoping the depth of the team is going to help secure a spot in the championship game. We know these ladies will be on the field every day between now and the last game of the season with the same energy and passion that they started the season with."

Key wins: Pelham (20-4), Gilford (12-7)

BOYS

DIVISION I

Exeter (10-6)

Games remaining: 1

The case: Division I is shaping up to be a four-team race, seemingly with Exeter currently third behind Bedford and Bishop Guertin. Pinkerton, at 9-6, is fourth and could be a dark-horse as well.

Of the Blue Hawk's five losses, two were at the hands of Bishop Guertin and Bedford.

The question will be can Exeter knock off one of those teams in the playoffs, as they look to build off last year's semifinal exit.

Marshall Lasewicz had 60 points (37 goals, 23 assists) through the first 12 games, and his offense will certainly be a factor in the tournament. Owen Williams will provide a scoring punch as well, while goalie Ethan Bernich has the ability to be stout.

Key wins: Pinkerton (11-5)

DIVISION II

Portsmouth (15-0)

Games remaining: 2

The case: Despite playing in last year's championship game, Portsmouth head coach Chad Vischer said this year's undefeated start has exceeded expectations.

"We know that being undefeated, thus far, can bring on its own set of challenges," Vischer said. "Overconfidence or straying away from the team-centric gameplan can lead to some very difficult games. We also know that being successful will cause everyone in our division to work hard to knock off the No. 1 seed."

Vischer added, "As we approach the playoffs, we're trying to balance staying sharp and prepared for our opponents, while we try to get healthy from the normal wear and tear of the season,. In addition to staying healthy, we need to stay focused on our ultimate goal (to win the championship), while enjoying some of the end-of-the-year celebrations."

Portsmouth hopes to get Ben Purcell back from injury in time for the playoffs, but seniors Zac Amend, Nick Smith, Lucas Patten, Masi Shone, Kai Paterson and more, have done a great job this year.

"The boys are looking forward to the playoffs," Vischer said. "The coaching staff has some plans to keep things fun and fresh .... we hope to be ready when June comes."

Portsmouth has scored at least 10 goals in every game, while allowing double figures just twice - one to out-of-state, season-opening opponent Newburyport (Mass.).

Key wins: at Oyster River (14-7), Timberlane (15-7), Exeter (11-7), St. Thomas Aquinas (10-9), Derryfield (10-9)

St. Thomas Aquinas (11-3)

Games remaining: 2

The case: After a 4-1 start to the season, the Saints dropped two straight one-goal games to two of the top teams in Division II — Portsmouth and Timberlane.

Since then, it's been seven straight wins, putting the Saints at fifth in Division II.

STA saw last year end in the semifinals, but has been playing like a group motivated to return to the final four, and even further.

Jackson Estes, Finley De Tolla, Zach Bottrill, Aidan Morrison and Trent Salyards are some of the key pieces for a motivated Saints team.

Key wins: Winnacunnet (13-4), Alvirne (8-5), Oyster River (13-8)

MAINE

CLASS B

York (9-1)

Games remaining: 4

The case: The reigning Class B champion Wildcats are rolling once again in 2024, as a one-goal loss to Class A Cape Elizabeth is the only setback thus far.

York is currently seeded third in Class B as the season winds down, aiming for back-to-back state titles.

Evan Giacobba has continued to produce in net for York, while Evan Anastas and Quinn Walenta, as well as captains Nick Hoy and Laird Masterson, have performed well offensively for the Wildcats.

"The defense and goaltending has been strong throughout, and the offense has continually gelled over the course of the season," York head coach Bill McNamara said. "The team is looking to improve upon both its strengths and weaknesses as they close out the regular season and set their sights on a Class B state title."

Key wins: Greely (11-0), Yarmouth (14-7), Deering (11-9)

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: 7 Seacoast girls and boys lacrosse teams with best chance to win state championship