For a number of seasons, the Madison Warhawks haven't gotten rattled in close-game pressure situations during playoff matches.
Instead, the boys high-school lacrosse team has remained even-keeled, winning many of those contests en route to various championships.
The most recent came the night of May 24 in the 6D North Region tournament title showdown with the McLean Highlanders (13-6) at Madison. The Warhawks won, 15-5, after trailing at one point, 4-3, in the second quarter.
Madison (14-5) rallied to lead, 5-4, at halftime on a goal by Levi Wentz, then pulled away by scoring the first four goals of the third period for its ninth straight win.
The region crown was Madison's second in a row and third since 2019. It finished second in 2022
Madison also is the two-time defending Class 6 state champion. That 2024 competition waits ahead for the Warhawks.
"For us, we stayed calm and composed in the moment and within what we do," Madison assistant coach Will Cogan said. "You have to withstand blows. McLean played hard and was well coached."
Madison also trailed early, 3-1, during the region semifinals against Langley en route to a 15-6 victory. The Warhawks were 3-0 in the tourney, pulling away early from Washington-Liberty in the first round, winning 15-4.
In the region final, Mark Rubley led Madison with five goals, Wentz scored four, Will Rubley and Duncan Craddock two each and Henry Maiden and Maxwell Roccia scored one each. Will Rubley and Mark Rubley each had two assists. James Farrow was among the ground-ball leaders and goalie Jackson Oskuie made nine saves.
For McLean, Connor O'Sullivan had three goals and Max Mullen (one assist) and Ethan Jones scored one each. Goalie Hugh Hancock made many saves, especially in the first half.
McLean was missing three injured starters in the region final.
"Having those guys would have made things better, and maybe closer, but we still were playing against a top team," McLean coach Brian Simmons said.
Madison coach Aaron Solomon said his team's experience of playing in so many big games in recent seasons helps with learning how to maintain composure.
"Our team elevates its level of play, remains hungry to keep winning, and we have the experienced leadership," Solomon said.
Solomon singled out the play and big saves made by Madison goalie Jackson Oskuie in the region final and throughout the playoffs.
"The dude is good back there. He has ice water in his Veins and peaks at the right time of the season," Solomon said.Against Langley, Will Rubley scored five goals and had two assists, Mark Rubley also had five goals, Craddock added three goals and Caleb Smith and Evan Barry one each. Oskuie made nine saves.
Wentz and Mark Rubley each had three goals and two assists against W-L and Barry, Oliver Hau and Nicolas Williamson had two goals each. Oskuie made two saves.
McLean was playing in the region championship match for the first time and has qualified for the state tourney for the initial time, as well.
See a full story about McLean's season on this Website.