They tried just about everything to stop Robinson senior attack Matt Kugler. From double teams to physical play to just playing him straight up, it all had the same result for Westfield’s boys lacrosse team. Another big game for Kugler. Another win for the ninth-ranked Rams (18-2).
Robinson beat the Bulldogs, 11-3, at Westfield on Saturday to win its second straight Group AAA state championship. Kugler finished with three goals and fours assists to help the Rams beat their Concorde District rival for the fourth time this season. Three of those wins came in title games — including the Concorde District and Northern Region championships — by a combined score of 35-15.
“We tried everything we could think of. He’s just an excellent lacrosse player,” said Westfield coach Gary Malm. “But what makes Robinson unique is that they have six or seven guys capable of a big night. It’s hard to stop a team like that.”
Westfield lost to the Rams 11-10 in overtime on March 29, but the Rams were missing several key starters due to injury. But it was Westfield’s defense on Kugler in the Concorde District final on May 11 that tells the true story of Robinson’s season. Kugler totaled just one goal and one assist. But six different Rams scored in a 9-4 win. Kugler then had four assists in the Northern Region final on May 23, a 15-8 win. Senior attack Danny Fritz had three goals and senior midfielder Tyler Zinck added two goals in Saturday’s state final.
