The Loomis Chaffee boys lacrosse team won the Founders League Championship for the third straight year on Wednesday, May 20, defeating No. 4 Choate 10-5 in the title game on the Island.  

The Pelicans used a strong second-half surge and outstanding goaltending from junior Rhett King to secure the title. 

Sophomore O.J. Ika opened the scoring early before Choate answered and took a 3-2 lead after the first quarter. Loomis settled in during the second quarter, with sophomore Colton Strazzini scoring tight inside of the crease off a pass from Ika before Ika converted on an extra-man opportunity to give the Pelicans a 4-3 halftime lead. 

Loomis took control in the third quarter, scoring three straight goals, one from freshman Colton Boorda and two from senior Griffin Boston. Freshman Quinton Hoverstock later added a key goal to send Loomis into the fourth quarter with an 8-4 advantage. 

The Pelicans’ defensive unit of senior Saki Nicholas, senior Michael Brennan, and junior Patrick Bishai helped protect the lead while senior Milki Conway-Reppert finished off a feed from Jayden Rodriguez to stretch the advantage. Boorda added another transition goal late to help seal the championship. 

King was outstanding in net, making a season-high 16 saves and delivering his best performance when it mattered most. 

The Pelicans, seeded No. 2 in the tournament, reached the title game after defeating No. 3 Taft 18-9 in the semifinals on Saturday, May 16.