Neil McNeil Catholic High School’s Varsity Lacrosse team capped off an impressive season with a bronze medal at the 2025 OFSAA Field Lacrosse Championships, held June 4 and 5 in Owen Sound.
Entering the tournament as the #2 seed after an undefeated 6-0 regular season, the boys from the east end of Toronto proved they belonged among Ontario’s elite.
In their opening matchup, Neil McNeil faced Sacred Heart Secondary School. After a tight first half, Neil broke the game wide open with a dominant 9-2 second-half surge en route to a 14-6 win. Attacker Ben B. led the way with a hat trick, setting the tone for the team’s tournament.
The second game, played in pouring rain against St. Martin Catholic Secondary School of Mississauga, proved to be more of a battle. Tied 6-6 at halftime, Neil McNeil leaned on the experience and poise of captain Ryan G. and attacker Nathan S., both scoring key goals in the fourth quarter to secure the 11-9 victory.
Day 2 began with a challenging semifinal against Brooklin Secondary School — the eventual gold medalists. Despite a valiant effort, Neil struggled to match Brooklin’s depth and tempo. Brooklin gradually pulled away to claim an 18-10 win, sending Neil to the bronze medal game.
There, Neil McNeil met familiar rivals Malvern Collegiate Institute in an all-Beaches showdown. Neil came out flying, taking a commanding 5-0 lead after the first quarter, buoyed by a series of critical saves from goalie Patrick J. Malvern pushed back in the second half, narrowing the gap to just two goals on multiple occasions. But late markers by Heath H. and Ellery A. sealed the 11-8 win and secured bronze for Neil McNeil.