It was not a new position for Robinson’s boys lacrosse team. But that did not make Thursday’s Group AAA state semifinal any less scary.
With a huge target on their backs after winning a state championship last season, Robinson spent much of the evening fighting off a Western Albemarle team intent on making history at the Rams’ expense.
But in the end, No. 9 Robinson showed exactly why it is on the verge of back-to-back state titles. Senior midfielder David Laiti scored a goal with nine minutes left, igniting a late flurry by the Rams in a hard-fought 9-6 victory.
Laiti’s goal came at a crucial point. Western Albemarle, a Group AA school from Charlottesville, had scored twice in less than a minute to tie the game at 5 with 9:30 left in the fourth quarter. For a moment, at least, it looked like the champs might be on the ropes. It took less than 30 seconds for Laiti to respond with the game’s fourth goal in a 47-second period.
“I was just running up field on the break and nobody stepped in front to stop me,” said Laiti, who is also Robinson’s faceoff specialist. “I never even saw the ball go in. But I’m glad it did.”
Robinson’s defense held Western Albemarle at bay, killing off a man-advantage situation. Junior attack Jonathan Kilbourn scored with 5:24 to play just after the penalty expired. The Rams then took advantage of a Western Albemarle penalty when senior midfielder Tyler Zinck found senior attack Danny Fritz for a goal at the 4:44 mark.
“This is what we expected,” said Robinson senior goalie Ryan Kleman, who finished with 12 saves. “The Charlottesville schools especially feel like they don’t get enough respect from our region so we always get their best shot.”
Western Albemarle, the Region II champion, finished its season at 13-5 after reaching the state semifinals for the first time. Robinson received goals from seven different players. Only Kilbourn and senior midfielder Sean Boniface scored twice. Zinck finished with a goal and two assists.
Back-to-back
» Robinson goes for its second straight Group AAA state championship on Saturday night at Westfield. They play the winner of Thursday night’s second semifinal between Westfield and W.T. Woodson at 7:30.
» Westfield also hosts the girls Group AAA state championship game 6 p.m. Saturday. The Oakton/Broad Run winner faces W.T. Woodson or Robinson. Both semifinals took place Thursday night at Westfield.
» Robinson senior attack Matt Kugler had a goal disallowed in the first half after an illegal stick penalty, which was called after a delay of five minutes. The play would have put the Rams ahead 3-1.
