Members of the lacrosse team are all smiles after winning the Battle by the Beach tournament in Gulfport, MS.

For the second consecutive year, Jesuit’s varsity lacrosse team took home first place medals from the Battle by the Beach Lacrosse Invitational in Gulfport, Mississippi. The tournament concluded on Sunday, Mar. 24, with a thrilling 9-8 overtime victory against rival Brother Martin. In Saturday’s preliminary play, the Blue Jays easily defeated Catholic of Baton Rouge, Dutchtown, and John Carroll (Birmingham, AL).

Coach Mike Brantley’s squad qualified for the championship game by defeating rival St. Paul’s, 7-3, on Sunday morning. The Jays beat St. Paul’s for their first state title in April 2012. But in January 2013, the Jays dropped a season opener against the Wolves in pre-district play, losing a four-goal lead at halftime. In February at the Allstate Collegiate Sugar Bowl Classic, Jesuit faced St Paul’s in a showcase game. Jesuit lost in overtime following a disputed call on a shot on goal by the Jays. Hence, when Sunday morning arrived and Jesuit and St. Paul’s were facing each other for a third time this season, an exciting match was anticipated. St. Paul’s proved to be a worthy opponent, but the Jays prevailed, winning the match, 7-3. View game photos.

In the championship game of the tournament, the Jays played another rival, Brother Martin, who tied the game, 8-8, in the final 30 seconds to force the match into overtime. Junior Arman Alizadeh dodged under his defender and around the goalie to place a neat corner shot into the far side of the goal, giving the Jays a 9-8 victory and the tournament championship.

Progress by Jesuit’s Other Lacrosse Teams:

Varsity is graduating 18 seniors this year and the program is growing future champions for Jesuit in the JV team. At the Battle at the Beach Tournament, the JV team won its championship as well. Having beaten their three opponents Saturday, the JV team faced off against St Paul’s at the same time as varsity faced St. Paul’s on a parallel field. JV players proved themselves a maturing squad, beating St. Paul’s 10-0. They went on to beat Catholic of Baton Rouge for the title, joining varsity in the awards presentations. JV is coached by Mr. Greg Anderson and assisted by Mr. Chad Caldwell.

JV-B and U15 squads also performed well, winning their brackets on Sunday, but falling short of making it to the championship rounds.