Big Red Makes History: St. Paul's Boys Lacrosse Captures First-Ever Lakes Region Championship

Final Score: St. Paul's 15, Holderness 14
Date: May 17, 2025
Location: St. Paul's School

In a game that will be remembered for years to come, the St. Paul's School boys lacrosse team captured its first-ever Lakes Region Championship, edging Holderness School in a thrilling 15–14 victory on Saturday, May 17. The win marks a historic milestone for Big Red lacrosse and showcases the program's growth, grit, and togetherness.

From the opening whistle, both teams traded blows in a fast-paced, high-scoring affair. St. Paul's came out firing, striking for five first-quarter goals to Holderness' four and setting the tone for a contest. Big Red's up-tempo transition play and ball movement kept pace with a Holderness squad known for its offensive firepower.

Leading the offensive charge, Charles Hepp (#2) powered the attack with four goals and one assist, converting 50 percent of his shots and finishing with five points.  Carter Doherty (#9) added three goals and three assists, showcasing his poise as both a finisher and a playmaker.  Matias Williams (#24) chipped in two goals and two assists, while Finian Kilbourne (#18) contributed three goals, combining finesse with grit at the offensive end.  In total, St. Paul's tallied eleven assists on fifteen goals — a testament to the team's unselfishness and offensive chemistry.

Though Holderness outshot St. Paul's 44–36 (30–22 on goal) and won the ground ball battle 30–24, goalkeeper Luka Clark (#11) proved to be the difference.  Clark turned aside sixteen shots for a 53.3 percent save rate, anchoring the defense during pivotal moments. Defensively, Big Red weathered sustained Holderness pressure, forcing thirteen turnovers and holding firm despite a tighter clear percentage (68.8% to Holderness' 81.3%).

Both teams battled through a physical matchup that featured seventeen total penalties, but St. Paul's capitalized perfectly in extra-man situations, converting two of two man-up chances compared to Holderness' four of five.  Clinging to a one-goal lead in the closing minutes, St. Paul's displayed championship composure, fending off a furious Holderness rally in the fourth quarter to seal the program's first Lakes Region crown.

Head Coach Joe Bernier praised his team's resolve, "This team has been working all season for this. They believed in each other, played for each other, and made history together today".  

This championship represents not only a single season's triumph but also the culmination of years of dedication and progress within St. Paul's lacrosse built by many — a defining moment in the rise of Big Red.