The Ponte Vedra boys lacrosse team defeated Providence School of Jacksonville 17-1 on Friday in the regional quarterfinals of the state championship tournament at home.
Sophomore midfielder Joe Taraboletti led the Sharks with four goals. It was the attack, however, that Taraboletti credited for much of Ponte Vedra’s success.
“Our attack did a really good job riding,” Taraboletti said after the win. “They played good transition defense.”
Senior attack Jack Dowd, senior attack Patrick Dotsikas and junior midfielder Dylan Hess each scored three goals. Junior midfielder Freddie Amato and senior midfielder/attack Tony Rossi added two goals each.
On the defensive end, Hess at midfield and junior Riley McCormick really came together. McCormick played impressive off-ball defense and finished with several takeaways. Junior defender Davis Smith “played lockdown defense on anyone who tried to dodge on him,” Dowd said.
Junior attack Cameron Welch said the team has made it this far because of their chemistry, and the fact that they never give up.
“Even when we’re down, (we) always find a way to keep fighting,” Welch said.
According to Hess, the reason for that relentless nature is simple.
“Our goal is to make it all the way and bring one home for the first time in PV lacrosse history,” Hess said.
The Sharks (20-1) will play Lake Mary (11-7) on Tuesday at Lake Mary in the regional semifinals. The game is set to start at 7:30 p.m.
Ponte Vedra is ranked No. 1 in the state and No. 3 in the country, according to MaxPreps.
