CLAYMONT — Drew Duncan scored 45 seconds into the game, and Archmere’s boys lacrosse team never looked back in a 15-2 win over Caravel in the DIAA state tournament. The Auks, the fifth seed in the 16-team bracket, will play the winner of No. 13 Milford and No. 4 Wilmington Friends on Saturday in the quarterfinals.
Archmere goalie Zidane Brena stopped a Buccaneers shot shortly after Duncan’s goal, and 12th-seeded Caravel went a man up just after that, but Brena came up with another stop. After that, the Auks were in possession most of the first quarter.
They added to their lead with 7:36 remaining. Breandan Marley hit a spinning shot after taking a pass from Duncan, who picked up the first of his five assists. Duncan provided a highlight-reel goal on the next tally, going behind the back and over Bucs goalie Alex Hall while the Auks were a man up.
Marley was the beneficiary of Duncan’s passing for the next two goals, which were quite similar. On both goals, the Auks forced a Caravel turnover, advanced the ball to Duncan, who found Marley all alone to the right of the net. Aidan Mahoney added the final goal of the quarter.
The Auks added five more in the second quarter, but that offense was made possible by an aggressive defense. The Auks pressured the Buccaneers the entire length of the field, and when Caravel did get set up on offense, the back line didn’t allow much to go toward Brena.
The Auks added four more in the third before Caravel scored twice in the fourth.
Marley finished with six goals, and Duncan added four to go along with his assists. Reece Millison had five assists along with a goal. Brena made three saves. Archmere improved to 12-4 and have won 10 straight.
Logan Keld and Dominic Catalano scored for Caravel. The Bucs finished the season 10-5.
Photos by Mike Lang.
