By: Evan Long
Last year, The Ponte Vedra High School (PVHS) Sharks ended their season in a heartbreaking loss 4-13 against St. Thomas Aquinas in the state championship game in Naples. This year, the Sharks look to bounce back and win states with a strong team led by senior captains, Tate Smith, JP Dolan, Baylor Vu, and Matthias Schulz. Many of the team is committed to play lacrosse at the next level, including seniors: Smith at Jacksonville University, Dolan at Merchant Marine Academy, Garrett Gianchetta at College of Wooster, and juniors: Miles Buckley at Sacred Heart University, Gavin Mesquit at Siena University, and , Brandon Lehman at Florida Southern College. With this experienced team, the Sharks expect to make another deep run in the playoffs ultimately culminating in a state title.
“Our undefeated season is giving us momentum and confidence going into our harder games and playoffs later in the season.”
alex Kohn (11)
On Mar. 3, PVHS faced off in a home district matchup against a talented Bartram Trail High School (BTHS) Bears team. The Sharks went into the game ranked number one in Florida. With the high expectations, PVHS did not fold under pressure as they dominate the Bears in a blowout 17-3 win at home. Junior, Alex Kohn said, “Our undefeated season is giving us momentum and confidence going into our harder games and playoffs later in the season.” The Sharks advance to 7-0 and look to continue their undefeated season at Episcopal High School to face the Eagles on Mar. 4.
On Mar. 4, PVHS traveled to Episcopal School of Jacksonville (ESJ) to take on the Eagles. ESJ is off to a 5-1 start making them top 15 in Florida. The Sharks continue to stay hot in a big 13-4 win on the road; their recent success proves that PVHS is the team to beat in Florida. The Sharks will face off against Jupiter Community High School at Keiser University on Mar. 7.
On Mar. 7, PVHS took a road trip to Keiser University to take on the 7-1 Jupiter Community High School (JCHS) Warriors. The Sharks struggled in a tough game, losing 10-13. PVHS was outmatched all game as they had a diminishing 15.4% draws won. The Sharks end the week with an 8-1 record and look for a bounce back win at home against Creekside High School on Mar. 9.
Pictured: Hudson Hauseman (10) walking on the field (@fenneysflics)
