What a weekend for lacrosse! Juanita pulls out a nail biter against a tough Stanwood team while Liberty shuts out Archbishop Murphy, as they both propel themselves forward into the semi-finals. Our private school championship bracket is set with the O’Dea Fighting Irish up against the dreaded Eastside Catholic Crusaders, which one is hungrier?

In case you missed the second round:

1A/2A Division

Sehome 4 @ Vashon 10 – FINAL

Bellingham 18 @ White River 11 – FINAL

Liberty 14 @ Archbishop Murphy 0 – FINAL

Columbia River 5 @ Seattle Academy 12 – FINAL

3A Division

Bonney Lake 3 @ Bainbridge 12 – FINAL

Ballard 2 @ Bellevue 19 – FINAL

Peninsula 4 @ Mercer Island 16 – FINAL

Juanita 11 @ Stanwood 10 – FINAL

4A Division

Curtis 4 @ Skyline 14 – FINAL

Woodinville 13 @ Sumner 6 – FINAL

Eastlake 9 @ Union 5 – FINAL

Issaquah 10 @ Wenatchee 8 – FINAL

PV Division

Seattle Prep 8 @ Eastside Catholic 14 – FINAL

Bellarmine Prep 7 @ O’Dea 17 – FINAL

Lets dive into this weeks games:

Wednesday May 24

1A/2A Semifinals

Bellingham (13-4) @ Vashon (9-3)

These two teams never get to play each other as tape might be the only way they can create a plan. Vashon is at a disadvantage having played five less games while Bellingham has had the chance this year to test themselves against tougher teams like Stanwood and Jackson. They also are heading into their third playoff game giving them all the momentum in the world to make this one a great show.

Seattle Academy (11-5) @ Liberty (11-3)

This game was destined as both these teams have near identical numbers while also demonstrating their clear ability to win games. Liberty’s shut-out against Archbishop Murphy was surprising seeing how their opponent averaged over 12 goals a game this season.

Liberty has also won three overtime games in a row earlier this season as they seem to know the formula to win close games while also blowing out other teams. Seattle Academy is no pushover however allowing an average of six goals per game on defense. Regardless, this is the one to watch for the 1A/2A playoffs this Wednesday.

3A Semifinals

Juanita (9-7) @ Bellevue (13-3)

The Rebels have won their third straight playoff game as they make a surprisingly deep playoff run in this year’s competition. Although their confidence is likely peaking they are probably wishing they could play any of the other 3A teams in the semi-finals rather than Bellevue.

Their last meeting was on April 21 where they had their lowest scoring game of the year with a 15-2 defeat. They will need to take their confidence, the momentum and the will to win in this game if they are to stand a chance against one of the scariest teams in the state. If anyone thinks they have this game picked, just remember that playoffs can still surprise you so hold your breath.

Bainbridge (11-9) @ Mercer Island (12-7) – Island Wars Part II: Islander’s Revenge

Those of you that thought the war was over should pack your things and go home because the Islander’s are not finished. Probably the most anticipated game this week, the Bainbridge Spartans will now enter Islander territory after their stellar 8-7 season opening victory in early March. For a pair of teams that had not played each other since 2014 they get to really make up for lost time this year with a very exciting grudge match.

Bainbridge will have to realize that the Islander’s are not the same team they were at the beginning of this season. The young athletes at Mercer Island have grown a lot since their recent trip to Pennsylvania with a 6-game win streak while also being the only team in Washington to give Bellevue a giant “L” on their record. Bainbridge will need to find the answer to the Islander’s zone defense in their second semi-final game in a row if they want to see what Starfire looks like.

4A Semifinals

Woodinville (5-7) @ Skyline (12-2)

Not an ideal match-up for Woodinville as Skyline has done some impressive things this season as well as beating Eastside Catholic 13-12 in early April. Arguably the Falcon’s best performance came in their game to Bellevue early on in the season where they held them to seven goals, which happens to be the second lowest scoring game for them against Washington teams.

Although Woodinville is on their fourth game in a row with 13 goals, the Skyline Spartans have only had two games all year (including their Texas trip) where they scored under 11 goals. If those numbers don’t scare you than consider the fact that those numbers include their games with Mercer Island (13-5 Skyline), Eastside Catholic and their current opponent, Woodinville (13-4 Skyline). Believe in yourselves Woodinville, anything can happen with a championship on the line.

Issaquah (11-7) @ Eastlake (8-7)

These two KingCo rivals are no strangers to one another. Out of the past six matches Issaquah has them 4-2 but Eastlake won this year’s 7-4. Issaquah is in a growing period, which could mean an opportunity for Eastlake to get to the big game. Issaquah may have played more games and won nine of their non-league games but they struggled within their conference with a measly 2-6 record.

For a team that barely got themselves into the playoffs they sure do know how to win when it counts as they have found themselves in the 4A semi-finals. Their 15-14 victory over Tahoma in overtime and then a 10-8 win versus Wenatchee shows great tenacity. They’ll need it if they want a chance at a trophy for the first time since 2014.

Story by Michael Thornbloom.