St. Viator completes unbeaten conference mark

St. Viator made history last Thursday when it beat division rival Palatine 10-9.

The Lions clinched their second straight Mid-Suburban League boys lacrosse title, but that wasn't what made history.

"We ended up undefeated in conference for the first time in our program's six-year history," coach Bill Sanford said.

The Lions (15-4, 8-0) came into the game 2 games ahead of the second-place Pirates. Their first meeting ended with the Lions coming out on top 11-10 in overtime.

"That was a tough game," Sanford said. "And they weren't even at full strength.

Due to some suspensions, the Pirates (8-7, 8-3) were missing a few key players in their lineup that first game.

"We were missing a couple key players, unfortunately," Palatine coach Heath McFaul said. "But we hung with them none the less."

In the second meeting, however, both teams were more or less at full strength. Palatine was trying to keep its six-game conference winning streak going, a streak that started after that first loss to St. Viator.

"We knew they had talent," Sanford said. "But we also know we have a lot of skill on our team that can match up well with anyone."

Palatine came out firing as they built a 7-3 halftime lead. The Lions went into the locker room knowing they had to make some adjustments.

"Our transition defense wasn't playing well," Sanford said. "We had to slow them down in the second half to win that game."

The second half belonged to the Lions as the Pirates came out completely flat.

"I think our guys just got too comfortable with that 4-goal lead," McFaul said.

St. Viator kept pouring it on in the second half, outscoring Palatine 7-2 and winning the game 10-9.

"That game came down to desire," Sanford said. "Our guys wanted it, and they showed that in the second half."

The Lions were led by senior attackers Drew Hauer (4 goals), Pat Magee, who leads the state in assists (47) and points (77), Rob Smith, and some stellar goaltending by senior Pat Gaeger.

"Pat had a phenomenal second half," Sanford said. "He really kept us in that game."

Although a division title is satisfying, Sanford said his team won't settle for just regular season success.

"We want to go far in the playoffs," Sanford said. "We still have business to take care of."

Both the Lions and the Pirates' regular season is over. They will wait until Sunday night when the state will hold its seeding meeting for the playoffs.

St. Viator 15, Naperville North 12: The Lions kept their momentum going as they beat Naperville North, which is ranked eight in the state by laxpower.com, 15-12. Sanford said he was very happy with his teams play.

"Other than a few defensive mistakes, the team played outstanding," Sanford said. "We played the game for all four quarters, and it showed."

Led by senior midfielder Matt Solak (3 goals, 2 assits) and senior attacker Rob Smith (5 goals), St. Viator beat a Naperville North team that hadn't lost since March 19, a streak of 12 games.

Glenbrook North 7, Palatine 5: The Pirates looked to pull off a big upset of Glenbrook North, ranked second in the state by laxpower.com. The two teams went back and forth all game.

"We jumped out to an early 2-0 lead," McFaul said.

Unfortunately for Palatine, 2 goals by junior attacker Dan Spethman and a goal by senior midfielder Phil Tenca wasn't enough. The upset was denied as the Spartans outlasted the Pirates 7-5.

"My guys played great," McFaul said. "I told them this was a positive mark heading into the playoffs, it showed we can play with one of the best teams in the state."

Barrington 9, Schaumburg 2: The Saxons weren't able to get anything going against Barrington on Tuesday as the Broncos handed the Saxons (5-11)(4-5) their fourth straight loss.

"We didn't have any offense until the last three minutes of the game," Schaumburg coach Jon Novotny said. "We came out flat, it was very frustrating."

Blaine Skinner, who leads the state in goals, added another, giving him 46 on the season.

Schaumburg also suffered another tough loss within the MSL when they lost to Fremd 8-2 Thursday night.

Schaumburg last final season game was Thursday at home against Evanston.

Conant 9, Hoffman Estates 4: After beating Hoffman last Friday 3-2, to get their first win of the season, the Cougars looked to make it two in a row against the Hawks on Wednesday.

"When you're losing, the game loses its fun," Conant coach Martin Kulak said. "We wanted to get back to having fun."

The Cougars (2-10, 2-8) had fun and won their second straight, knocking of the Hawks 9-4.

"We played great as a team," Kulak said. "We got a few lucky breaks, but just played well all game."

Conant led 6-4 after three quarters, but by shutting out the Hawks (1-14, 0-10) in the fourth, the Cougars, led by seniors Justin Federico (1 goal, 2 assists) and Nick Dean (1 goal), secured their second win of the year.

"We're just playing better lacrosse," Kulak said.

Hoffman Estates' regular season is over and the Hawks will see a top-ranked team in the first round of the playoffs.

Conant will play Fremd at Conant tonight in both teams' season finale.