Vega, Benjamin end Bolles' run in state boys lacrosse semifinal

A second-quarter surge from Palm Beach Gardens Benjamin dashed the championship dreams of Bolles 19-7 in Thursday's Florida High School Athletic Association Class 1A boys lacrosse semifinal at Paradise Coast Sports Complex in Naples.

Jayden Vega scored three goals in a two-minute second period, part of a 10-1 Buccaneers run through the middle quarters, to storm from behind.

Vega finished with five goals for the day as Benjamin stretched its winning streak to 16 games, advancing to Saturday's state final.

The Bulldogs had grabbed a 5-2 lead in the first period, including two goals by Ethan Binns, before Benjamin (20-1) began to turn the tide by seizing control on the draw and exploiting man advantages.

Bolles spent much of the game without Jack Cox, the junior attacker who scored the overtime game-winner in the regional championship, after he suffered a first-quarter injury.

The wait continues for the Bulldogs (21-3), who nearly became the first FHSAA boys lacrosse champion from within Jacksonville city limits last year but lost the final to a late goal against Boca Raton St. Andrew's.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Vega, Benjamin end Bolles' run in state boys lacrosse semifinal