Senior night for the seven seniors on Rosemount’s boys’ lacrosse team did not get off to an ideal start. Lighting was spotted 15 minutes before the scheduled opening faceoff, leading to a lengthy delay. Once a torrential downpour ensued, it was decided the game would be played at the dome adjacent to the main field, causing the game to start an hour late.
A critical South Suburban Conference clash had a late audible before the opening faceoff. A thunderstorm rolled through Rosemount, forcing the Irish to host Prior Lake indoors in the dome that sits adjacent to their usual home field.
The late switch gave the Irish (10-2, 7-2) enough of a boost to beat the Lakers (11-2, 7-2) for the first time since 2014, as they ended their regular season with a 6-3 win Thursday night.
The game opened with two goals in less than two minutes, as each team started off with a score. Noah Berg, who finished with two goals to lead all scorers, opened the scoring for the Irish. Jadon Dorn equalized soon after for the Lakers.
It looked like the game was on its way to a shootout, but both defenses amped up the energy and settled things down. The defense for Rosemount, which is ranked No. 9 in the state coaches' poll, was especially impressive, as the Irish held a No. 4 Lakers team that averages 12.4 goals a game to three. Part of that was the defensive effort, and part of that was Landon Merigold, who saved eight of the 11 shots he faced.
Both teams now head into the Section 6 playoffs where these teams will be the top two seeds. It may not be long before these programs meet again.
The MN Lacrosse Hub polls are for entertainment purposes only.