The boys lacrosse team opened its season on Thursday, March 27, with a 12-4 victory against nationally ranked Malvern Prep School of Pennsylvania.  

According to USA Lacrosse Magazine’s High School Boys National Top 25 ranking, Loomis Chaffee sits at No. 3, with Malvern close behind at No. 5 — making this early-season matchup one of the most anticipated in the country. 

The game began at a frenetic pace, with early point-blank saves by both Malvern’s goalie and Loomis senior goalie Liam O’Keefe. After the Friars struck first, senior long-stick midfielder (LSM) Graham Wiggenhauser answered with a rebound goal. Senior Hayden Cody won the ensuing faceoff, and one slick move by senior attackman Rowyn Nurry gave the Pelicans a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. Junior Milki Conway-Reppert added two more goals before the quarter ended, pushing the Loomis advantage to 4-1. 

Malvern responded with two quick goals in the second quarter, and the Friars’ goalie came up with several clutch saves to keep the game close. But a highlight-reel effort from Nurry as the shot clock expired reignited Loomis’ momentum and kicked off a run of seven unanswered goals. The stretch included tallies from seniors David Disque, Cole Goodwillie, and Cody, along with freshman O.J. Ika. Junior LSM Mike Brennan capped off the scoring with a transition goal late in the fourth quarter. 

O’Keefe was a standout in net, recording 10 saves and anchoring the defense throughout the game. 

Coming off a big win Thursday, Loomis hosted a strong Salisbury team on Saturday, March 29, for a high-level lacrosse matchup. The Pelicans struck first on a transition play from junior Jayden Rodriguez to Nurry, but Salisbury answered quickly and eventually took a 5-2 lead into halftime despite several saves from O’Keefe. 

Loomis battled back in the second half, with Nurry scoring twice more and Disque adding a goal to bring the team within reach. However, the Pelicans couldn't overcome Salisbury’s goalie and ultimately fell 5-8. O’Keefe finished with 13 saves. 

Loomis travels to Trinity-Pawling on Wednesday, April 3 for a 3:30pm start time.