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State title dream realized for hard-working LZ

The dream came to fruition Saturday.

“Our motto was, ‘Dream big. Work hard,’ ” Lake Zurich head boys lacrosse coach Chuck Vozas said.

The Bears’ hard work paid off in a 13-6 win over Naperville Central in the B-Class state championship game at New Trier West, giving Lake Zurich its first Lacrosse Cup in the program’s 11 years of existence.

David Finney’s 4 goals led the Bears’ attack.

As much as the championship was rewarding for the players, including 15 seniors, it was equally meaningful for president Dave Kintzer, K.C. Williams, who’s had three children come through the program, and JV coach Phil Faris, who was the original head coach.

“I call him ‘OC’ (for original coach),” Vozas said.

Kintzer, Williams and Faris have been with the program since the beginning.

“We could not have (won the state title) without those three guys,” said Vozas, the first-year head coach who’s in his fourth with the program.

Lake Zurich likely would not have won Saturday without Jack Boliaux taking faceoffs. The junior won an amazing 100 percent of his draws.

“I’ve been a faceoff guy my whole life, and I’ve had 3 perfect games,” Vozas said. “That was Jack’s second perfect game this season.

“(Naperville Central) essentially never got the ball until we threw it out of bounds or scored.”

Finney and captain Justin Dwiel dominated on the attack for the Bears.

“Finney is small and nimble, and he just blew by guys and scored,” Vozas said. “Then Dweil took over the game when (Naperville Central) decided to lock off Finney.”

Lake Zurich (19-5) was playing its third game in four days, and its depth was important. The Bears received big games from several other players as well, including goalie Travis Lores, sophomore long stick midfielder Brian Hindseberger, freshman midfielder Tim Spears and senior defender Grant Soucy, an all-state selection who will play Division I lacrosse for Hobart College.

Soucy scored his 13th goal of the season.

“He’s the leading long pole scorer in the state,” Vozas said. “He’s an animal.”

Lake Zurich was in such control by the fourth quarter that Vozas was able to clear his bench. Naperville Central scored the game’s last three goals.

“It felt great to play all 15 seniors,” he said.

Lake Zurich rallied from a late two-goal deficit against Cary-Grove earlier in the week to win 8-7 and advance to the semifinals, then built an 8-1 lead by halftime against Grayslake Central before winning 12-5.

“Hats off to Cary-Grove,” Vozas said. “They were our hardest opponent in the playoffs and are a class act.

“Once we were in the semifinals, we completely dominated.”

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