St. Margaret's boys lacrosse advanced to the CIF-SS Div. I semi-final round with a 14-9 win over visiting JSerra Catholic High School on Tartan Field Friday evening.

JSerra jumped out of the gate first, scoring just 9 seconds into the game on a furious fast break play. The Tartans quickly composed themselves as Andrew Toubin (6g, 1a) found the net just 23 seconds later to level it. The Lions and Tartans traded goals before St. Margaret's jumped out to a 7-2 lead to end the first quarter. Ryan Kees (1g) added a goal as time expired to cement the Tartans' commanding first quarter run.

The Tartans' defensive unit of Declan Kelley, Reese Angelos, Rhys Thomas and Aiden Grumet, supported by defensive midfielders Cob Sprague (1a), Sammy Grant-Lewis and Jack Webber, made things difficult for the Lions, forcing multiple turnovers and stifling JSerra's offensive production in the first half. Jack Shea (4g) notched two goals in the second quarter as St. Margaret's enjoyed a comfortable 9-4 lead heading into halftime.

The Lions mounted a gritty comeback in the third frame, rattling off 4 goals at a blistering pace before the Tartans again regained control with Carson Barber (4g, 1a) and Toubin making their mark to end the penultimate quarter.

JSerra saw a bit of daylight as the Tartans maintained an 11-8 lead to head into the fourth quarter before Aston Frankfort (1g), Barber and Toubin quickly disabused the visitors of that notion. Goaltender Jonas Gilden (15 saves) found his footing and shut the door on the Lions, making 5 big saves and only allowing one JSerra score as the Tartans closed out the opening round of the playoffs. 

St. Margaret's (16-2) is set to take on Santa Margarita (14-3) in the CIF-SS Div. I Semi-Final round. The last time the Tartans and Eagles clashed, St. Margaret's came away with a 12-5 win en route to its first CIF-SS Championship in 2024.

Please consult the St. Margaret's Athletics website for complete schedule information.