2018 Summit Men's Lacrosse
Most valuable Players
Harry Kilkowski
Will Vitton
Date Time  Site Opponent  Results (11-2)
Wednesday, Mar 28 4:00PM  Away Old Bridge 
Won 14-1 The Summit lacrosse team opened the 2018 season with a dominant performance, beating Old Bridge14-1. Summit enjoyed a huge advantage in possession thanks to great face-off work by Joey Persche, an excellent defense and ride that caused repeated turnovers, an efficient clear and transition, and some less than stellar passing by their opponents.

The attack took full advantage with some nice off-ball movement and swift changes of formation. Seniors Harry Kilkowski (4 goals and 2 assists) and Nick Thomson (3 goals, 5 assists) packed a potent one-two punch and freshman Luke Dinola had a great start to what will surely be a long and productive varsity career with 1 goal and 2 assists. The Fischetti family had a nice day with older brother senior Tom scoring twice and sophomore John once with one assist. Further contributions from the midfield came from Eamon McTernan, Jackson Tyler and Gray Humphrey each with one goal and one assist and GregMoller with one assist.

Will Vitton in goal was barely troubled, and Summit was able to slow down the pace in the second half and give most of the squad some valuable playing time.
Team 1 2 3 4 Final
Summit
6 5 2 1
14
Old Bridge
0 0 1 0
1
PLAYER G A
PTS.
Luke Dinola 1 2
3
John Fischetti 1 1
2
Tom Fischetti 2 -
2
Gray Humphrey 1 1
2
Harry Kilkowski 4 2
6
Eamon Mcternan 1 1
2
Greg Moller - 1
1
Nick Thomson 3 5
8
Jackson Tyler 1 1
2
Saturday, Mar 31 10:00AM  Home West Essex  Won 14-2 It was a bright, sunny Saturday morning for the home opening game for the Summit Hilltoppers against conference rival West Essex. The boys from Summit quickly took control converting goals by senior Harry Kilkowski and then three straight by freshman Luke Dinola for a hat trick as the offense moved the ball quickly to find the open man. By the end of the first quarter, Summit was up 7-0 with Kilkowski and seniors Nick Thomson finding the back of the net multiple times. Senior Joey Persche absolutely dominated face offs, either winning it himself or rolling the ball to his wings.

When West Essex successfully cleared the ball into the Summit defensive half of the field, the defense led by seniors Will Vitton in goal, LSM Jameson Waldron, and defenseman Stephen Sajer and juniors Dom Yorio, Davis Strabley and Deacon Donaldson forced them to shoot from the outside or turn the ball over. By halftime, Summit led 10-1 and continued to dominate in the second half. One of the highlights in the third quarter was a beautiful long clearing pass from Waldron to a streaking long pole Donaldson who drilled his first ever varsity goal.

During the second half, the Hilltoppers substituted frequently and played much of the team. SeniorJulian Rupkey and junior Tyler Hadley both saw time in goal. By the end of the game, Jack Brown,Tommy Fischetti, Greg Moller, and Skyler Schluter had all scored goals in addition to Kilkowski’s four, Dinola’s three and Thomson’s two. With a final score of 14-2 over West Essex, Summit’s offense completed its second straight 14 goal game, the defense limited its opponents to two goals or less, and the team moved to 2-0 with the more conference games on the horizon.
Team 1 2 3 4 Final
West Essex
0 0 1 1
2
Summit
7 3 4 0
14
 Saturday, Apr 7 11:00AM  Away Glen Rock 
Won 10-1 The Summit Hilltopper boys lacrosse team traveled to Bergen County to face the up-and-coming program at Glen Rock. It was another cold, windy April day. Winning the opening face off and then the next three, senior Joey Persche consistently put the Summit offense in control throughout the game. Glen Rock was our first opponent to play a zone defense which initially made the game a defensive struggle with both goalies making stops. Senior midfielder Eamon McTernan started the scoring for Summit with a shot from the outside, and then senior attack Nick Thomson followed up with our second goal assisted by fellow senior attack Harry Kilkowski as Summit led 2-0 at the end of the first quarter. McTernan continued the scoring in the second quarter with another strike, and junior midfielder Greg Moller found the back of the net to give the Hilltoppers a 4-0 lead before Glen Rock broke through with their first goal late in the quarter.

Leading 4-1 to start the second half, the scoring continued with goals by Kilkowski and then junior attack Skylar Schluter which was assisted by senior LSM Jameson Waldron with two seconds remaining in the third quarter. After Persche won another face off, Kilkowski started the fourth quarter with another score and then quickly added his third for the day. With the staunch defense of Waldron, senior Stephen Sajer, juniors Dom Yorio, Davis Strabley, and Deacon Donaldson plus the exceptional goal tending by senior Will Vitton who made 12 saves throughout the game, the Hilltoppers kept Glen Rock off the scoreboard in the second half. Senior midfielder Tommy Fischetti completed the Summit scoring with back to back step down lasers which made the score 10-1 with a few minutes to go. At that point, much of the team was able to get playing time as the Hilltoppers moved to 3-0. Up next is conference rival Chatham for a midweek match up at Investors Field.

PLAYER G A PTS.
Tom Fischetti 2 1
3
Harry Kilkowski 3 3
6
Eamon Mcternan 2 1
3
Greg Moller 1 -
1
Skyler Schluter 1 1
2
Nick Thomson 1 1
2
 Wednesday, Apr 11 4:00PM  Home Chatham 
Won 12-2
Team 1 2 3 4 Final
Chatham
0 2 0 0 2
Summit
3 2 3 4 12

Summit took on local rival Chatham at Investors Bank Field and it paid to be in your seats on time! Joe Persche won the first face-off cleanly to himself, ran straight down the field and fired in the first goal. He then promptly won the second face-off, this time to Jameson Waldron who, yes, ran straight down the field and fired in the second! 44 seconds gone on the clock and Summit already up 2-0. It was time for the defense to show its mettle. Davis Strabley with a tip and then an interception caused turnovers on Chatham’s first 2 possessions which set the tone for the whole game and the quarter
ended with Harry Kilkowski rifling a shot into the top right corner of the net. Chatham opened the second quarter with 2 quick goals but Summit answered with 2 more from Harry “Hat Trick” Kilkowski. Summit led 5-2 at the half.

The second half was all one-way traffic. Summit’s well-organized defense led by Stephen Sajer, Jameson Waldron, Dom Yorio, Deacon Donaldson and Davis Strabley continued to cause multiple turnovers and Will “Stonewall” Vitton stopped everything that came his way. A great Vitton save and pass led to Deacon Donaldson getting the ball, charging downfield and scoring with a beautiful bounce shot. Joe Persche continued to dominate at face-off and was rewarded with his second clean win and score, Skyler Schluter struck goal number 8 and then the midfield got into the action with goals from Jackson Tyler, Tommy “The Laser” Fischetti, Greg Moller and Eamonn McTernan.

 Saturday, Apr 14 2:00PM  Away Sparta 
Won 15-6 Playing on the grass field in Sparta on a beautiful spring day, the Summit Hilltopper boys lacrosse team continued their winning ways by scoring 15 goals and limiting the Spartans to 6.  From the opening face off, Summit showed that the team was going to play aggressively on both ends of the field. By winning ground balls in the middle of the field and executing well on defense and in the goal, Summit dominated time of possession and shots on goal in a one-sided first half.  Going head to head with another strong FOGO, Joey Persche got his fair share of wins, partly as a result of some spectacular ground balls by LSM Jameson Waldron and Davis Strabley as the double poles on the wings.
Sparta began the game playing a zone defense, but after goals by Skylar Schluter (assisted by Nick Thomson), Tommy Fischetti (with another laser), Nick Thomson (great individual effort), Eamon McTernan (outside rip), Harry Kilkowski (nice put back off the rebound), Jack Brown (another nice individual effort) and Schluter (well executed fast break) to put Summit up 7-0 at the end of the first quarter,  the Spartans retreated from the zone and started the second quarter playing man to man. The scoring onslaught continued as the Hilltoppers found the back of the net three more times before half while giving up one goal on a very low angle shot.
An inspired Sparta team took the field in the second half down 10-1 and quickly experienced a spurt of momentum, scoring two quick goals before Kilkowski answered for Summit.  At that point, the Hilltoppers regained control of the game as Moller scored back to back strikes.
Starting the fourth quarter up 12-5, Fischetti, Schluter, and Kilkowski scored to put the game away at 15-6.  Fronted by the hard playing defense, Will Vitton continued to be a force in goal, making 13 saves against a relatively strong offense which featured two of the top attacks in the state.  One of the key advantages for Summit in this game was team’s ability to consistently win the ground ball battles all over the field, despite the grass surface, which then enabled the Hilltoppers to control the tempo of the game.        
Team 1 2 3 4 Final
Summit
7 3 2 3
15
Sparta
0 1 4 1
6
PLAYER G A PTS. GB
Jack Browne 1 -
1
2
Luke Dinola 1 -
1
1
Deacon Donaldson - -
-
3
Tom Fischetti 2 1
3
2
Gray Humphrey - 1
1
1
Harry Kilkowski 3 3
6
5
Eamon Mcternan 1 2
3
-
Greg Moller 2 1
3
3
Joe Persche - -
-
4
Skyler Schluter 4 1
5
1
Nick Thomson 1 2
3
1
Jameson Waldron - -
-
7
Dom Yorio - -
-
4
Tuesday, Apr 17 6:00PM  Away West Morris
Won 13-0 The game got off to a slow start with unforced errors from both sides marking a first quarter whose only highlight was a Summit goal from Skyler Schluter with an assist from Charlie Collins.  The second quarter got underway with a long possession for West Morris but the Summit defense held firm. Halfway through the quarter it was still only a 1-0 lead for Summit but then things started clicking. Tom Fischetti scored one of his trademark lasers, Eamon McTernan hit two in a row and the half ended with an amazing play by goalie Will Vitton who intercepted a pass which surely otherwise would have led to a West Morris goal. Will swiftly sent the ball up field and, two or three quick passes later, Nick Thomson buried it in the back of the net as the buzzer sounded.

By now the Summit machine was humming. Skyler “Shooter” Schluter hit 3 more to make this his second game in a row with 4 goals, Eamon McTernan completed his hat trick, Harry Kilkowski added two and Tom Fischetti fired in his second. Up 12-0, Coach Davidson was able to rotate in other players from the squad and David Parella took full advantage with his first varsity goal off a feed from Luke Dinola. It was a shut-out victory thanks to the unyielding defense of Stephen Sajer, Dom Yorio, Davis Strabley and Deacon Donaldson and goalies Will Vitton and Tyler Hadley.

PLAYER G A PTS. GB
Charlie Collins - 1
1
-
Luke Dinola - 2
2
-
Deacon Donaldson - -
-
4
Tom Fischetti 2 -
2
3
Harry Kilkowski 2 1
3
1
Eamon Mcternan 3 2
5
-
David Parella 1 -
1
-
Joe Persche - -
-
1
Stephen Sajer - -
-
3
Skyler Schluter 4 -
4
2
Nick Thomson 1 3
4
1
Jackson Tyler - 2
2
4
Dom Yorio - -
-
1
Saturday, Apr 21 11:00AM  Home Westfield  Won 15-5 Playing at Investors Bank Field for the first time in ten days, the Summit Hilltoppers boys lacrosse team put on an offensive display scoring 15 and limiting Westfield to 5 goals.  Joey Persche set the early tone as he won the opening face off which ultimately led to a unassisted, wrap-around goal by Harry Kilkowski. Persche’s winning streak continued throughout much of the first half as Westfield struggled to find a solution to his dominance, experimenting with both short and long sticks on the face off.  Summit’s offense completely controlled the time of possession in the first quarter as Kilkowski scored his second (beautiful assist by Nick Thomson) and then goals by Skylar Schluter, Thomson, and Kilkowski (his third and fourth) put the Hilltoppers up 6-0 by the end of the quarter.
The face off work by Persche and the smart, long possessions by the Hilltopper offense continued in the second quarter as Jackson Tyler put one through the goalie’s legs. After Westfield switched from their one-four-one offense to their two-two-two, they were able to slip one by the Summit defense.  But the Hilltoppers quickly went back to work and scored three more goals before halftime, with more scoring by Thomson, Kilkowski, and a buzzer beater by Thomson (nice assist by Moller for Thomson’s hat-trick) to put Summit up 10-2 at halftime.
Westfield started the second half with some momentum and scored two unanswered goals and then later another.  However, Summit dug deep and scored two goals of our own making it 12-5 at the end of three quarters with nice finishes by Moller and Schluter.  In the final quarter, the Hilltoppers maintained long possessions which consistently resulted in goals by Kilkowski (his sixth), Eamon McTernan and Luke Dinola.  
With Summit up 15-5, 9 saves by Will Vitton, and solid defense by long poles Jameson Waldron, Davis Strabley, Deacon Donaldson, Dom Yorio and Stephen Sajer, Tyler Hadley took over in goal and many other players were able to get playing time.   Once again, Persche’s dominating performance at the face off (winning 17 0f 23), the fluid ball movement, unselfish play and shooting by the offense, the staunch defense of the long poles and short stick defensive middies and the strong goalie play enabled the Summit Hilltoppers to deliver an unexpectedly decisive outcome against Westfield.  
Team 1 2 3 4 Final
Westfield
0 2 3 0
5
Summit
6 4 2 3
15
PLAYER G A PTS. GB
Jack Browne - 1
1
-
Charlie Collins - -
-
3
Luke Dinola 1 -
1
-
Deacon Donaldson - -
-
2
Tom Fischetti - -
-
3
Harry Kilkowski 6 2
8
4
Eamon Mcternan 1 -
1
2
Greg Moller 1 2
3
2
Stephen Sajer - -
-
1
Skyler Schluter 2 -
2
2
Nick Thomson 3 2
5
4
Jackson Tyler 1 -
1
1
Jameson Waldron - -
-
4
Tuesday, Apr 24 4:00PM  Home Delbarton  Lost 10-6. Summit, newly-crowned number 1 in NJ.com’s rankings, took on perennial power andprevious number one, Delbarton, in a headline match with the TV cameras whirring. For Hilltoppper fansunfortunately, this story did not have a happy ending. Frequent and uncharacteristic turnovers, often
caused by Delbarton’s fierce ride on both sides of the field, missed opportunities by the Summit attackand a very efficient Delbarton offense soon put the game out of reach. The Green Wave scored the first 6 goals of the game and, by the middle of the second quarter, there already appeared no way back for Summit.

However the half ended on a better note when Jameson Waldron vacuumed up a ground ball in Summit’s half and set off towards the Delbarton goal like a runaway locomotive. As he wound up to take a shot, his stick was checked and the ball went to ground. Surrounded by defenders, Greg Moller reacted fastest, scooped up the ground ball and passed to Nick Thomson who scored with another one of his buzzer-beaters.

Buoyed by that goal, Summit started the second half with 2 quick man-up goals from Tom Fischetti and Eamon McTernan but the Delbarton offense quickly extinguished any hopes of a comeback with four goals of their own, sandwiching a fine effort from Harry Kilkowski cutting from X. Some great saves by Will Vitton and two more Summit goals from Nick Thomson and Tom Fischetti in the last minute or so of the game made the final score line more respectable.

There were nevertheless positives to take away from the encounter. Summit “won” the second half 5-4, ground balls and face-offs were split fairly evenly and, for those who believe history repeats itself, the last time Delbarton beat Summit 10-6 in the regular season was 2009 and for a clue as to how that season ended check out the white banners on display at every home match……………
Team 1 2 3 4 Final
Delbarton
3 3 2 2
10
Summit
0 1 2 3
6
PLAYER SV GA W L T
Will Vitton 7 10 0 1 0
PLAYER G A PTS. FO-ATT FO-WON GB
Tom Fischetti
2
-
2
-
-
-
Harry Kilkowski
1
-
1
-
-
2
Eamon Mcternan
1
-
1
-
-
-
Greg Moller
-
1
1
-
-
2
Joe Persche
-
-
-
20
9
4
Nick Thomson
2
2
4
-
-
1
Jameson Waldron
-
-
-
-
-
7
Saturday, Apr 28 10:00AM  Home Hingham Lost 13-8 The Summit High School boys lacrosse team hosted Hingham High School at Investors Field for the Third Annual Kyle Kirst Memorial, New Jersey verses Massachusetts Challenge.

Winning the opening face off and scoring on the fast break, Hingham displayed the skills and teamwork which have made them the team to beat in Massachusetts boys lacrosse this spring. The Hilltoppers battled back to take the lead as Jackson Tyler (unassisted) and Eamon McTernan (nice assist by Greg Moller) scored to take the lead 2-1.

Hingham would then go on a tear with four unanswered goals to go up 5-2. Harry Kilkowski’s quick motion behind the cage would snag his defenseman in the net and allowed him to feed a cutting Tyler for his second goal of the game reducing Hingham’s lead to 5-3. Another nice feed, this time by Skylar Schluter to Nick Thomson, would close the gap further to 5-4. But that was as close as the game would get as Hingham would go another four goal spree giving them a five goal lead at 9-4. Charlie Collins’ diving goal made the score 9-5.

For most of the second and third quarters, Hingham controlled the middle of the field and their offense found open shooters on the wings or cutting through our defense. While the Hilltoppers fought until the final whistle with back to back goals by Kilkowski, Hingham’s overall play earned them the 13-8 victory and validated their undefeated status.

Team 1 2 3 4 Final
Hingham (MA)
1 6 3 3
13
Summit
2 2 1 3
8
PLAYER G A PTS. GB
Jack Browne
-
-
-
1
Charlie Collins
1
-
1
-
Deacon Donaldson
-
-
-
2
Tom Fischetti
-
-
-
1
Gray Humphrey
-
-
-
3
Harry Kilkowski
3
1
4
-
Eamon Mcternan
1
1
2
-
Greg Moller
-
-
-
3
Joe Persche
-
-
-
6
Nick Thomson
1
-
1
2
Jackson Tyler
2
1
3
-
Jameson Waldron
-
-
-
4
Dom Yorio
-
-
-
5
 Monday, Apr 30 4:30PM  Home Princeton 
Won 17-1.  Summit overwhelmed Princeton in a one-sided game that was already decided during a first quarter that saw eight Summit goals. Six more followed in the second quarter and mercifully the second half was played with a running clock. Many players contributed to the score line with highlights including a Fischetti family four goal fiesta with 2 from Tom and 2 from younger brother John; a great goal from Gray Humphrey who collected the rebound from his own shot and scored; a powerful 2 goal, 2 assist performance from Skyler Schluter; and a first varsity goal for sophomore Pat White. Summit’s second-line defense held firm after the starters had been replaced with strong work from Ryan Reigle, Kevin Beatty, Harry Grange, Dan O’Connell and Wils Hurley and 7 saves from goalie Tyler Hadley restricting Princeton to just a single goal from a fast break. Brendan Driscoll took over face-off duties and continued the dominance established early on by Joey Persche and midfielders Declan Myer, Noah Breen and Tyrone Hines saw good playing time and ensured Summit enjoyed the lion’s share of possession throughout the game.
Team 1 2 3 4 Final
Princeton
0 0 1 0
1
Summit
8 6 2 1
17
PLAYER
G
A
PTS.
GB
Kevin Beatty
-
-
-
1
Charlie Collins
-
-
-
1
Luke Dinola
-
1
1
2
Brendan Driscoll
-
-
-
7
John Fischetti
2
1
3
2
Tom Fischetti
2
-
2
1
Tyrone Hines
-
-
-
1
Gray Humphrey
1
3
4
2
Wils Hurley
-
-
-
1
Harry Kilkowski
2
2
4
1
Eamon Mcternan
1
-
1
-
Declan Meyer
-
-
-
2
Greg Moller
1
-
1
-
Henry Muller
-
-
-
1
Dan O'Connell
-
-
-
1
David Parella
1
-
1
2
Joe Persche
-
-
-
10
Stephen Sajer
-
-
-
1
Skyler Schluter
2
2
4
2
Davis Strabley
-
-
-
1
Nick Thomson
2
1
3
1
Jackson Tyler
2
1
3
3
Jameson Waldron
-
-
-
1
Pat White
1
-
1
1
Thursday, May 3 4:00PM New Providence Won 8-2. A strong all-round performance saw Summit beat New Providence and advance to the final of the Union County tournament. The Summit attack and midfield peppered the New Providence net with 37 shots and only an outstanding performance by the New Providence goalie, especially in the first half, kept the Summit goal tally to single figures.

As usual, offensive possession was built on the foundation of strong defense from seniors Jameson Waldron and Stephen Sajer and juniors Deacon Donaldson, Dom Yorio and Davis Strabley who limited their opponents to just 16 shots, few of which were on target. As a result, Will Vitton had a relatively quiet day in goal and was only called upon to make 4 saves.

Joe Persche won the face-off battle 14-8 and a collective team effort ensured ground balls went Summit’s way 34-24 with particularly fine efforts from Jameson Waldron (who had an assist) and Deacon Donaldson. On multiple occasions, a ground ball or face-off win led to a fast break opportunity and a goal. Nick Thomson finished with 3 goals and 1 assist, Skyler Schluter had a goal and 2 assists, Jackson Tyler scored 2 goals and Harry Kilkowski registered 1 goal and an assist taking his season to date point total over the half century mark. A goal by Eamon McTernan and an assist by Greg Moller rounded out the scoring from a well-balanced offense that has demonstrated this season that it possesses multiple threats. Will Vitton had 4 saves

PLAYER G A PTS. GB
Deacon Donaldson - -
-
4
Tom Fischetti - -
-
1
Gray Humphrey - -
-
2
Harry Kilkowski 1 1
2
6
Eamon Mcternan 1 -
1
1
Greg Moller - 1
1
2
Joe Persche - 1
1
5
Stephen Sajer - -
-
1
Skyler Schluter 1 2
3
-
Davis Strabley - -
-
2
Nick Thomson 3 1
4
2
Jackson Tyler 2 -
2
-
Jameson Waldron - 1
1
4
Dom Yorio - -
-
3
Saturday, May 5 7:00PM Away Westfield (UCT Final)
Won 8-5

8-5  Looking for their first Union County Championship since 2014, the top seeded Summit High School boys lacrosse team faced second seeded Westfield at AL Johnson High School stadium in Clark.  The Union County rivalry with Westfield has become legendary in recent years with extremely close and sometimes disappointing outcomes. The Hilltoppers carried their momentum from the second half of the semi-final game against New Providence into this year’s final.  And Summit’s total dominance of Westfield in April was a reason to feel good about our chances to regain Union County supremacy. However, the Westfield team which the Hilltoppers soundly defeated a few weeks ago was improved with the return of a few of their missing starters.

Joey Persche won the opening face off cleanly, a situation which became the norm throughout most of the game as Persche won 11 of 16 face offs against a highly touted Westfield adversary.   As the boys shook off their early jitters and settled into their offense, Skylar Schluter started the scoring as Nick Thomson delivered a beautiful feed. The Hilltoppers followed that up with a man-up goal by Thomson which was assisted by Harry Kilkowski, giving Summit a 2-0 lead.  But Westfield scored two quick goals of their own to tie the game 2-2 as the first quarter ended.

Summit regained the offensive momentum as Persche won another important face off which led to Thomson’s second strike of the evening.  Gray Humphrey’s goal which made the score 4-2 was a particularly dramatic individual effort. The Summit man down defense forced a Westfield turnover, and then Humphrey cleared the ball from our defensive zone, found a seam through Westfield’s defense, and shot the ball over the goalie’s shoulder with his left hand for our first short-handed goal of the year.  Kilkowski’s dodging and feeding Thomson would lead to another score, with Summit now up 5-2 at half time.

After initially spotting Westfield two quick goals in the first quarter, Summit’s defense led by long poles Jameson Waldron, Stephen Sajer, Dom Yorio, Deacon Donaldson and Davis Strabley plus short stick two-way middies Jackson Tyler, Greg Moller, Eamon McTernan, Tommy Fischetti, Charlie Collins, and Humphrey and stellar goal tending by Will Vitton (making 11 saves for the night) prevented Westfield from scoring in the second quarter.  

Team 1 2 3 4 Final
Westfield
2 0 1 2
5
Summit
2 3 2 1
8
PLAYER SV GA W L T
Will Vitton 9 5 1 0 0
PLAYER G A PTS. FO-ATT FO-WON GB
Gray Humphrey
1
-
1
-
-
-
Harry Kilkowski
-
2
2
-
-
-
Eamon Mcternan
2
-
2
-
-
-
Greg Moller
1
-
1
-
-
-
Joe Persche
-
-
-
16
11
3
Skyler Schluter
1
1
2
-
-
-
Nick Thomson
3
1
4
-
-
-
 Wednesday, May 9 4:30PM  Home Ridgewood 
Won 9-3. Joe Persche won the first face-off the game, establishing a dominance that would last the entire match and see him win no less than ten of thirteen attempts. A patient Summit offence then culminated in a solo effort from Harry Kilkowski who dodged from behind the cage and buried his shot. On Ridgewood’s first possession, an errant pass gave Summit the ball and then a smart, heads-up play saw Jackson Tyler split two defensemen, spot the opposing goalie out of his net, and shoot and score from all of thirty yards out. Goal number 3 followed shortly thereafter from a Tom Fischetti rip that must surely have left a hole in the back of the net. A great check from Stephen Sajer and ground ball from Greg Moller disrupted Ridgewood’s next possession and gave Summit’s offense another opportunity. Sure enough, Tom Fischetti took advantage with another rocket to give Summit a 4-0 lead as the quarter ended.

At the start of the second quarter, a devastating illegal stick call meant a non-releasable penalty on Summit. Not to worry, Summit’s defense was up to the task and kept Ridgewood at bay despite being man down for a full 3 minutes. Back to even strength, Ridgewood finally scored on a wrap-around effort but then, with only seconds left in the half, a pass from Nick Thomson to Eamon “Mack the Knife” McTernan, cutting through the Ridgewood defense as though it was butter, led to a score and a 5-1 advantage. The story of the second half was that of a dominant Summit defense who caused multiple turnovers from tips, interceptions and well-timed checks and gave plenty of possession to the attack. Greg Moller’s fine dodge and shot produced goal number 6 and an EMO goal from Nick Thomson with a sweet assist from Skyler Schluter made it seven. Another wrap-around shot which took an odd bounce gave Ridgewood their second goal. 7-2 at the end of the third.

The 4th quarter began with Ridgewood man-up but another Stephen Sajer check soon won the ball back for Summit. Then a Harry Kilkowski low-to-high shot pinged the top, right-hand corner of the goal: 8-2 to Summit. Deacon Donaldson added to his personal highlight reel with a check, a ground ball and a behind the back pass all in the same play and it would be remiss not to mention the fine efforts of Dom Yorio, Davis Strabley, Jameson Waldron and of course the “Stonewall” (aka Will Vitton) in the Summit net. The final Summit goal came from a clinical finish by freshman Luke Dinola off a feed from Harry Kilkowski. As the game wound down, Julian Rupkey took over goal-tending duties and produced an excellent save to keep the Ridgewood goal tally to a mere three with thanks also in no small measure to strong defensive efforts from middies Jack Browne and Tyrone Hines.

Team 1 2 3 4 Final
Ridgewood
0 1 1 1
3
Summit
4 1 2 2
9
PLAYER G A
PTS.
GB
Charlie Collins - -
-
1
Luke Dinola 1 -
1
1
Deacon Donaldson - -
-
4
Tom Fischetti 2 -
2
4
Gray Humphrey - -
-
2
Harry Kilkowski 2 1
3
4
Eamon Mcternan 1 -
1
-
Greg Moller 1 -
1
1
Joe Persche - -
-
5
Stephen Sajer - -
-
2
Skyler Schluter - 1
1
-
Nick Thomson 1 3
4
1
Jackson Tyler 1 -
1
1
Jameson Waldron - -
-
2
Dom Yorio - -
-
3
 Saturday, May 12 11:00AM  Home Moorestown 
Won 4-3  During every lacrosse season over the past decade, there’s been at least one low scoring, defensive struggle.  Last year and again this year, the Summit Hilltopper’s boys game against Moorestown has been that game. Both teams feature strong defensive units led by outstanding goal tenders and long, patient possessions on offense.  That was certainly on display on a damp Saturday morning at Investors Field. In addition, Summit was looking to avenge last year’s disappointing loss to Moorestown in the Group 3 Final.
In the first quarter, Moorestown struck first with a ten yarder from the wing.  After Joey Persche won his second straight face off and the Summit offense settled in, Greg Moller took a pass from Jackson Tyler and ripped a shot from the right alley for a Hilltopper goal.  Persche won the ensuing face off, and Harry Kilkowski dodged from X and found a cutting Tommy Fischetti for another Summit goal.
After a series of very long offensive possessions by both teams for most of the second quarter, Moorestown would score man up as a Hilltopper penalty was expiring.  But Persche would immediately win another face off putting the Summit offense on the field. Kilkowski dodged from the top of the box and fed Fischetti for his second goal of the game with laser to the top corner.  Summit led 3-2 going into halftime.
The third quarter was highlighted by excellent plays and stops by both goalies and incredible defense.  Late in the period, Will Vitton made a huge save. Moller picked up the ground ball in front of our cage and raced the length of the field before feeding Nick Thomson for the Hilltopper goal.  The score was now 4-2 as the end of the third.
During the fourth quarter Vitton and the defense led by LSM Jameson Waldron and close defensemen Stephen Sajer, Dom Yorio, Deacon Donaldson and Davis Strabley held Moorestown in check through the first 11 minutes of period.  A goal with 58 seconds remaining cut the lead to 4-3, but Persche won his 9th face off of the day (losing only 2) to secure the victory.  Vitton would finish with 9 saves. And the Summit Hilltoppers had defeated another ranked opponent.
Team 1 2 3 4 Final
Moorestown
1 1 0 1
3
Summit
2 1 1 0
4
PLAYER G A
PTS.
GB
Charlie Collins - -
-
1
Deacon Donaldson - -
-
3
Tom Fischetti 2 -
2
3
Gray Humphrey - -
-
3
Harry Kilkowski - 2
2
3
Eamon Mcternan - -
-
1
Greg Moller 1 1
2
3
Joe Persche - -
-
5
Stephen Sajer - -
-
4
Skyler Schluter - -
-
1
Nick Thomson 1 -
1
4
Jameson Waldron - -
-
2
Monday, May 14 4:00PM Seton Hall Won 9-6.  This was a game for the ages and one that those Hilltoppers’ faithful fortunate enough to be present will not soon forget. It started however on an ominous note when Seton Hall won the first face-off and scored within the first 10 seconds of the game but then the Summit defense buckled down and held them scoreless until the third quarter. Patient Summit offence led to little until Tom Fischetti scooped up a ground ball and blasted a shot into the back of the net and then a Jack Browne rip gave Summit the lead as the quarter ended.

Joe Persche won several face-offs in a row at the beginning of the second quarter giving Summit plenty of possession but some good saves by the Seton Hall goalie prevented any further scoring until Tom Fischetti stepped up and launched a laser. Although there was no speed gun on the shot, several spectators swore afterwards that they heard a sonic boom. It then looked as though Seton Hall would get a huge momentum swing as the half expired when a fast break and tic-tac-toe passing gave the ball to an open player on the crease but Will Vitton produced the save of the season, no, correction, the save of the century, to stop the shot and bring the home crowd to its collective feet. 3-1 at the half.

The third quarter was a nail-biter with the lead changing hands several times. Another Tom Fischetti laser hit the back of the net before Seton Hall scored four quick goals in a row to give them a 5-4 lead. Stephen Sajer forced a turnover and a quick clear gave Tom Fischetti his fourth goal of the game with 28 second remaining in the quarter. Yet there was still more drama to come as Seton Hall scored with 11 ticks left on the clock but from the ensuing face-off Jameson Waldron gathered up a ground ball and fed Nick Thomson who tied the game 0.8 seconds before the horn to end the quarter.

The fourth quarter brought 3 more Summit goals and several amazing saves from Will Vitton. Great anticipation allowed Davis Strabley to intercept a pass, charge up the field and off-load to Skyler Schluter whose quick feed to Nick Thomson gave Summit back the lead. Gray Humphrey’s fine solo effort and an Eamon McTernan empty net shot in the last thirty seconds produced a final score of 9-6.

The Summit defense of Stephen Sajer, Jameson Waldron,
Dom Yorio
and Davis Strabley was outstanding throughout the game and kept a potent Seton Hall offence to just 6 goals, the fewest they have scored all season and Will Vitton was simply from another planet. Two great teams gave it their all but the Hilltoppers emerged on top at the end of an enthralling contest.
Team 1 2 3 4 Final
Seton Hall Prep
1 0 5 0
6
Summit
2 1 3 3
9
PLAYER SV
Will Vitton 14
PLAYER G A
PTS.
Jack Browne 1 1
2
Tom Fischetti 4 -
4
Gray Humphrey 1 1
2
Eamon Mcternan 1 1
2
Skyler Schluter - 1
1
Nick Thomson 2 -
2
Jackson Tyler - 1
1
Wednesday, May 3:30PM Home Gov. Livingston
1st round Sectional
Won 17-0.  Summit’s first step on the NJ state championship road was a brutal, one-sided affair. Suffice it to say that it was 12-0 by the end of the first quarter on a straight-forward formula of win face-off, dodge or feed, shoot, score, rinse and repeat. The few times Governor Livingston players had the ball in their sticks a fierce ride or suffocating defense quickly caused a turnover. The starters were soon on the sideline which gave our future varsity stars a chance to shine. Juniors Tyrone Hines and Declan Meyer each scored once, Brendan Driscoll notched a goal and an assist while sophomores John Fischetti, Pat White and David Parella combined for five goals with 2 assists coming from classmate Henry Muller.

The shut-out victory through the last three quarters was preserved thanks to tight defense from long poles Wils Hurley, Dan O’Connell, Harry Grange and Kevin Beatty (who also chalked up an assist) and goalies Tyler Hadley and Julian Rupkey.

Saturday. May 19 Home Voorhees
Sectional Quarter final
Won 14-0 (by Scott Sajer) The constant downpour and cool temperatures didn’t slow the Summit boys lacrosse team in their second round sectional game against Voorhees.  After forcing a turnover on defense, Nick Thomson fed a cutting Skylar Schluter for the first score of the day. A long offensive possession against the Voorhees zone finally resulted in the second goal for the Hilltoppers as Harry Kilkowski fed Eamon McTernan.  About a minute later, McTernan found Schluter cutting from behind the cage for Summit’s third goal. Gray Humphrey cleared the ball from deep in the Summit zone and found Tommy Fischetti on the fast break for our fourth goal as the quarter came to a close.

Charlie Collins made it 5-0 about a minute into the second quarter with a rip from about ten yards. Thomson shot from about the same spot a few minutes later for our sixth goal which was shortly followed up by another by McTernan, assisted by Greg Moller.  Fischetti cranked another from the wing for the Hilltoppers’ eighth.

Joey Persche dominated on the face off against the long pole from Voorhees throughout the first two quarters.  He was relieved by Brendan Discoll a few minutes into the third quarter. Early in the third, Jameson Waldron picked up a ground ball and initiated a well executed fast break which resulted in nice feed from Thomson to a cutting McTernan.  Shortly afterwards, Kilkowski found Schluter again cutting from behind the cage for our 10th goal.  While on man up, Fischetti produced another terrific step down shot from the wing to make the score 11-0.    With a few seconds remaining in the third, Kilkowski found Thomson open in front of the cage for another Hilltopper goal.  

The fourth quarter started with Summit up 12-0 and the game clock running.  Moller ripped a beautiful shot from about 12 yards for our 13th goal.  And Luke Dinola had a nice finish off a feed from Thomson for the Hilltoppers’ final goal of the day.  Summit’s defense led by goalies Will Vitton and Tyler Hadley and close defensemen Stephen Sajer, Dom Yorio and Deacon Donaldson as well as LSM Waldron played a strong game which basically shut Voorhees down.  The offense played patiently and routinely found the open man.
PLAYER SV GA W L T
Tyler Hadley 1 - - - -
Julian Rupkey 1 - - - -
Will Vitton 1 - 1 0 0
PLAYER G A PTS. FO-ATT FO-WON GB
Kevin Beatty
-
-
-
-
-
1
Jack Browne
-
-
-
-
-
1
Charlie Collins
1
-
1
-
-
-
Luke Dinola
1
1
2
-
-
2
Deacon Donaldson
-
-
-
-
-
5
Brendan Driscoll
-
-
-
3
2
2
Tom Fischetti
3
-
3
-
-
1
Harry Grange
-
-
-
-
-
1
Gray Humphrey
-
3
3
-
-
-
Harry Kilkowski
-
4
4
-
-
1
Eamon Mcternan
3
1
4
-
-
-
Greg Moller
1
1
2
-
-
3
Joe Persche
-
-
-
13
10
8
Stephen Sajer
-
-
-
-
-
3
Skyler Schluter
3
1
4
-
-
2
Davis Strabley
-
-
-
-
-
3
Nick Thomson
2
2
4
-
-
1
Jameson Waldron
-
-
-
-
-
3
Pat White
-
-
-
-
-
1
Thrusday, May 24 4:00PM Home NJSIAA Sectional
Final vs. Sparta
Won 12-5. (by Scott Sajer) A great team effort saw the home side progress to the sectional final of the state championship. Summit’s tremendous hunger for the ball was evident in all aspects of its game, from the fierce combat of Joe Persche and his long pole wingmen at every face-off to the aggressive ride and stifling defense that refused to let Sparta enjoy any easy clear or long possession.

Jameson “Tornado” Waldron swallowed up every ground ball in his path. Deacon Donaldson was a force of nature in his own right and seems blithely unaware that, according to the coaching manual, long pole defensemen are not supposed to execute behind the back passes with such aplomb.  Stephen Sajer caused multiple turnovers and locked down two of NJ’s most dangerous attackmen while Dom Yorio was an unyielding rock in the center of the defense. Davis Strabley again exhibited a prescient ability to tip and intercept opposition passes and short stick Jackson Tyler defeated all attempts to dodge past him. Their joint efforts allowed Will Vitton to enjoy a relatively quiet day by his high standards making 6 saves.

Winning the possession battle meant Summit outshot Sparta 3 to 1 and led ultimately to a decisive victory. Skyler Schluter from behind the net found Greg Moller for the first goal. Then a Harry Kilkowski dodge and shot produced goal number 2, the first of an explosion from the senior attackman that saw him record 8 points on the day, 5 goals and 3 assists. His classmate and fellow attackman, “Nifty” Nick Thomson, was one of the beneficiaries of Kilkowski’s dodging and field vision with 2 goals as was “Cool Hand” Luke Dinola who scored the final goal of the match. In between the Kilkowski exhibition, there were goals from Greg Moller and Charlie Collins, both fast, outside rips and one from Tom Fischetti, expertly fed by Skyler Schluter.

Early in the fourth quarter Greg Moller (who finished the day with 2 goals and 2 assists) intercepted a goalie clear on the half-way line and found Harry Kilkowski open in front of the net. Shortly thereafter, and symptomatic of the difficulties Sparta experienced holding on to the ball throughout the game, the Sparta coach felt obliged to burn his last time-out of the half to rescue a stranded long pole caught far from home and surrounded by a pack of Summit defenders all eager to relieve him of the rock. 12-5 the final score. Up next, arch rival Chatham….

PLAYER G A PTS. GB
Charlie Collins
1
-
1
2
Luke Dinola
1
-
1
-
Deacon Donaldson
-
-
-
6
Tom Fischetti
1
-
1
1
Gray Humphrey
-
-
-
4
Harry Kilkowski
5
3
8
1
Eamon Mcternan
-
-
-
2
Greg Moller
2
2
4
2
Joe Persche
-
-
-
5
Stephen Sajer
-
-
-
4
Skyler Schluter
-
2
2
1
Davis Strabley
-
-
-
2
Nick Thomson
2
-
2
3
Jackson Tyler
-
1
1
-
Jameson Waldron
-
-
-
5
Saturday, May 26 Home 11:00AM Chatham Sectional
Finals
Team 1 2 3 4 Final
Chatham
0 1 1 1
3
Summit
3 1 4 2
10

Won 10-3  There was a lot of anticipation heading into this rematch with Chatham which was still the only team to defeat Delbarton this spring.  The game time weather conditions were sweltering with temperatures approaching 90 degrees with high humidity. Despite the heat, there was a great crowd on hand as the Hilltoppers struck first.  

After Joey Persche won the opening face off, the offense patiently moved the ball against the Chatham zone defense for about two minutes before Eamon McTernan found a cutting Nick Thomson whose quick stick found the back of the net.  The Summit defense forced a Chatham turnover which put our offense back in control. Following another two minute possession, Tommy Fischetti ripped a step down shot from the right wing (assisted by Thomson) to put the Hilltoppers up 2-0.  Persche won the ensuing face off and the Summit offense went back to work. This time Jackson Tyler fed McTernan for a step down blast from the left wing, giving Summit a 3-0 advantage. For the final five minutes of the first quarter, the Hilltopper defense battled to keep Chatham off the score board as they caused turnovers and Will Vitton stopped several shots on goal including one as the horn sounded.

Chatham scored quickly at the start of the second quarter, but almost ten minutes of defensive struggle on both ends of the field would follow.  Finally, Fischetti would take a pass from Luke Dinola, cut across the top of the box and let loose a lefty rocket from 12 yards out to give Summit a 4-1 lead.  The final three minutes of the half were a continuation of strong defensive play and patient offense by the Hilltoppers.

In the beginning of the third quarter, the back and forth play by both teams continued as each of the defenses and goalies prevented any scoring. With six minutes to go, Chatham scored their second goal and cut the Summit lead to 4-2.  After winning the next face off, Chatham called time out. Immediately following the time out, Deacon Donaldson stripped the ball and then cleared it. After Jameson Waldron faked that he was returning to the sideline, Summit capitalized on the temporary man advantage as Thomson fed a wide open McTernan for the goal.  Thirty seconds later when Summit was man up as a result of a Chatham slashing penalty, McTernan scored his third goal with another crank from the wing (assisted by Dinola). The Summit defense forced another Chatham turnover, and this one again resulted in a McTernan goal with the assist by Fischetti. The three straight goals by McTernan allowed Summit to increase our lead to 7-2.  There was still a minute and a half remaining in the quarter. Persche won the face off and the Hilltopper offense waited patiently for the last shot. With under ten seconds remaining, Charlie Collins dodged and then fed Fischetti who ripped a bounce shot from twelve yards out to give Summit an 8-2 lead.

In the fourth quarter, the Hilltoppers contained Chatham after a long offensive possession, forcing a turnover which Gray Humphrey cleared almost the length of the field.  Summit burned some clock but with six minutes remaining, Fischetti found Harry Kilkowski open on the right wing for a step down laser. Summit was now leading 9-2. About a minute later, Kilkowski dodged from X and found the back of the net for another goal to make it 10-2.  Chatham would score with about 90 seconds left in the game to produce the final score of 10-3.

Despite the score, the game was a fairly intense.  Summit’s dominance in the first and third quarters became the difference in the game.  The Hilltoppers’ depth also seemed to be a factor in the heat and humidity. With Vitton making 18 saves and the defense of Waldron, Stephen Sajer, Donaldson, Dom Yorio, and Davis Strabley causing a significant number of turnovers, the Hilltopper defense executed well.  Now, it’s on to the Group 2 State Championship.

PLAYER G A PTS.
Charlie Collins - 1
1
Tom Fischetti 3 3
6
Harry Kilkowski 2 -
2
Eamon Mcternan 4 1
5
Nick Thomson 1 -
1
Jackson Tyler - 1
1
Wednesday, May,28 Away 5:00PM Rumson-Fairhaven Won 9-1.  The group 2 final between Summit and Rumson Fair Haven was played at Shore Regional High School in Long Branch. An even first quarter saw both teams get opportunities and take multiple shots. But the defenses held firm with Stephen Sajer, Dom Yorio, Jameson Waldron, Deacon Donaldson, Davis Strabley and Jackson Tyler once again delivering a top-class performance in front of net minder Will “Thou Shalt Not Pass” Vitton. The game was still scoreless well into the second quarter and the watching Hilltopper fans began to get restless. But cometh the hour, cometh the man and Greg Moller and Tom Fischetti were the men in question and together fired in 3 shots (Moller’s assisted by Jackson Tyler and Fischetti’s second by Harry Kilkowski) in the last six minutes of the half to give Summit a 3-0 lead and lower somewhat the combined heart rates of the parents in attendance.

More relief for the spectators’ strained nerves followed when Greg Moller struck his second with a sick assist from Skyler Schluter. As the game wore on, and stymied by Summit’s oppressive defense and goalie Will Vitton’s other worldly reactions (somebody please alert the X-files), Rumson seemed increasingly bemused and bereft of ideas as to what to try next. More mistakes crept into their play and the possession balance swung decisively Summit’s way aided by Joe Persche’s increasing dominance at the face-off. With control of the ball, goals duly followed and five in the final quarter saw Summit pull away and put the result beyond doubt.

The scoring surge began with a penalty right at the end of the third giving Summit the ball and a man-up advantage to start the fourth. The EMO team took to the field and, although this is not the first time we’ve seen this movie, we still enjoy the ending. Plenty of quick off-ball movement confused the defense until Skyler Schluter, from behind the net, fed a cutting Nick Thomson wide open. Chalk up one more. Goal number six was another Fischetti cannon giving him his hat-trick for the day and, a little while later, a stellar save by Will Vitton and quick clear set Jameson Waldron free and he in turn delivered a pin point pass to Nick Thomson on the door step. Fake, fake, goal. Jack Browne showed great vision with his skip-pass to find Skyler Schluter who blasted a shot past the Rumson goalie. Gray Humphrey’s solo effort completed the scoring for the Hilltoppers who at that point led 9-0.

As Summit slowed down the pace and started to play keep-away, Rumson finally got a consolation goal and it was a nice one. A behind-the-back finish put them on the scoreboard which thus read 9-1 at the end of the game. A clear win for the boys in white, gold and maroon, a state championship in the record books and now the Tournament of Champions beckons…..

Team 1 2 3 4 Final
Summit
0 3 1 5
9
Rumson-Fair Haven
0 0 0 1
1
PLAYER Saves
Will Vitton
9
PLAYER G A PTS.
Jack Browne - 1
1
Tom Fischetti 3 -
3
Gray Humphrey 1 -
1
Harry Kilkowski - 1
1
Greg Moller 2 -
2
Skyler Schluter 1 2
3
Nick Thomson 2 -
2
Jackson Tyler - 1
1
Jameson Waldron - 1
1
Wednesday, Jun 6 Away 5:00PM TOC Semifinals vs. Mountain Lakes

Won 6-3.  The ToC semi-final between Summit and Mountain Lakes proved to be a contest within a contest with Summit’s dominant defense pitted against the Lakers’ formidable attack. The Hilltopper’ long poles and short stick defensive middies emerged firmly on top and, not for the first time this year, restricted their opponents to their lowest goal tally of the season. Time and again Laker feeds were intercepted or tipped or pressure on their attackmen caused mistakes and stray passes producing turnovers. The possession thus gained allowed Summit to build a three goal lead by the mid-way point of the game and then hold on for victory after a hard-fought second half.

On Mountain Lakes’ first possession of the day, Deacon Donaldson stepped between two orange shirts and snagged a pass. He released Stephen Sajer who took the ball upfield and launched the Summit offense. After some patient passing, Eamon McTernan decided to set course for the cage, ran by his defender with ease and bounced his shot into the net. The Lakers then drew level on a wrap-around goal but Tom Fischetti, assisted by Charlie Collins, soon restored the lead with a trademark howitzer and Skyler Schluter followed up with a wrap-around score of his own to make it 3-1.

Early in the second quarter, Nick Thomson’s relentless pursuit of a Laker long pole trying to clear the ball forced a turnover from which Thomson himself was later the eventual beneficiary, scooping up a ground ball following a goal mouth scramble and coolly placing his shot past the keeper. Greg Moller delivered a dime to Skyler Schluter for goal number five and, although Lakes pulled one back, the half ended with Summit ahead 5-2.

Both defenses and their respective goalkeepers raised the bar still further and, for the rest of the game, goals proved hard to come by.  One by Mountain Lakes in quarter 3 reduced the deficit to two and it stayed that way until the penultimate minute of the game when, with the boys in orange desperate for the ball and their goalie doubling, Eamon McTernan finished from close range off a feed from Skyler Schluter. The collective game ball for the win however must go to the Summit defense comprising Stephen Sajer, Jameson Waldron, Dom Yorio, Deacon Donaldson, David Strabley and of course the incomparable Will Vitton. A special mention also for Jackson Tyler who, all game long, thwarted the efforts of a D1-bound middie to get his hands free and shoot effectively.

One more (rather large) obstacle now remains if the Hilltoppers truly are to reach the “summit” and, should they indeed beat Delbarton, do read again your intrepid reporter’s summary of the first game on April 24 against the Green Wave for he will in that case henceforth be using the pen name Nostradamus. If not, he may flee the country………

Summit will play No. 1 Delbarton on Saturday at 7:30 pm. at Kean University in the Tournament of Champions final.

Team 1 2 3 4 Final
Mountain Lakes
1 1 1 0 3
Summit
3 2 0 1 6
PLAYER G A PTS.
Charlie Collins - 1
1
Tom Fischetti 1 -
1
Eamon Mcternan 2 -
2
Greg Moller - 2
2
Skyler Schluter 2 1
3
Nick Thomson 1 1
2
Saturday, Jun 9 Kean U 7:30 ToC finals vs. Delbarton Lost 12-6  Carrying a 12 game winning streak (that included victories over Westfield, Moorestown, Ridgewood, Chatham, Rumson Fairhaven and Mountain Lakes) into the Tournament of Champions Final at Kean University, the Summit Hilltopper boys lacrosse team ranked second in the state faced top ranked Delbarton to avenge an early season loss.  Delbarton was also perfect since they were upset by Chatham in April. There was plenty of Hilltopper spirit on hand as fans of all types showed up to support the team on a comfortable Saturday night.

Following the opening face off, Delbarton went on the offensive and was quickly enjoying a comfortable lead.  They were able to score 6 straight first quarter goals before Will Vitton made an amazing save, quickly cleared the ball, and Greg Moller (assisted by Tommy Fischetti) found the back of the net from long range to end the Summit scoring drought.  In the second quarter, there was a dramatic momentum swing as Summit closed the Delbarton lead to three goals with back to back step down lasers by Fischetti (one assisted by Nick Thomson and the other by Eamon McTernan). After another score by Delbarton, the Hilltoppers went into the halftime break down 7-3.

Unfortunately, Delbarton’s offense again responded in the third quarter producing four successive goals including two with man up before Harry Kilkowski assisted Fischetti on his third goal of the game.  In the fourth quarter, Summit dominated the time of possession as Thomson scored with a beautiful dodge from behind the cage and then Moller finished another with a nice feed from Kilkowski to make it 11-6.    Delbarton would score on another man up situation as the clock ran down to secure the 12-6 victory.

The Summit Hilltopper boys lacrosse team closed the 2018 season with a 19-3 record with two of those losses to our rival, Delbarton.  There were many highlights this season with the Union County Championship, the wins against Seton Hall Prep and Chatham, and the State Championship among the finest.   The senior class rose to the occasion, exceeding all expectations as they provided leadership and made significant contributions on both ends of the field which was critical to our success this season.  This enabled the underclassmen to find or evolve their roles and mature their skills while also making an impact throughout the season. As the graduated seniors join the distinguished ranks of Hilltopper lacrosse alumni, the raising seniors, juniors and sophomores are prepared to continue the Summit lacrosse tradition next season.
Team 1 2 3 4 Final
Summit
1 2 1 2
6
Delbarton
6 1 4 1
12
PLAYER SV GA
Will Vitton 15 12
PLAYER G A PTS.
Tom Fischetti 3 1
4
Harry Kilkowski - 1
1
Eamon Mcternan - 1
1
Greg Moller 2 -
2
Nick Thomson 1 2
3