Elder Statesmen 13, Navy Old Goats 12

As if yesterday’s one-goal Masters Division final game wasn’t enough, the Supermasters Division answered with what might have even been a more exciting one-goal game on Tuesday. Trailing 7-5 at halftime and 8-7 after three, the Elder Statesmen scored five goals in the fourth quarter to pull out an intense 13-12 victory over the Navy Old Goats. The game saw six lead changes in one of the better games of the tournament, regardless of age.

While many of the players from both teams are reaching the twilights of their careers, their maturity did not prevent them from playing a spirited and oftentimes rough style of game. There were several legitimately stellar goals in this game, including several behind the back shots and one diving, whirling dervish from Chris Rossi to tie the game late for the Statesmen.

The Statesmen got scoring from 10 different players in an extremely balanced effort. Bob Zimmerman helped lead the Old Goats from the midfield throughout the day.

In a hard fought fourth quarter, Navy held a two goal lead before the Elder Statesmen scored just :47 in to narrow the lead to one. When the Statesmen tied it up a few minutes later, Navy answered again in less than thirty seconds to retake the lead. Back and forth it went for much of the fourth quarter until the Statesmen scored with 4:09 left.

Navy continued to battle hard, but were unable to punch one home. When time expired, the Statesmen lit up a few cigars and celebrated. In what was easily the best attended game of the tournament, the Supermasters Championship had moments of brilliance. It also had its moments of fury. In the end, it was simply another good lacrosse game.

A person of any age could see that.