Monarch Lax secures second playoff victory in program history

Marysville’s boys lacrosse squad advanced to the second round of the OHSAA Regional bracket.

The Monarchs did so by notching their second win against Dublin Scioto this season by a 6-5 count.

Going into the contest, 15th seeded Marysville looked to defeat visiting 16th seeded Dublin Scioto once again.

 In the prior year, the Irish claimed victory over the Monarchs both in the regular season and in the playoff bracket.

“It’s great to tie up a two-year series against Dublin Scioto,” MHS coach Zac Engel said. “We were down three starters today.”

Marysville’s Jameson Best gets a shot off to get the Monarchs ahead of the Irish in the third second quarter.

“That was a great game,” senior defender Brendon Kovinchick sasid. “There was a lot of blood sweat and tears that went into this game.”

The Monarchs were quick to get on the board in the initial minute of the matchup, thanks to a shot by Xander Angelas.

Several minutes later, Vanyn Fultz increased the Monarch lead to 2-0 with around two and a half minutes left in the first quarter.

Dublin Scioto got the upper hand in the second quarter after going scoreless in the previous set.

The Irish raked in a total of four goals to take a 4-2 spread.

MHS continued to trail by two at halftime as the sun’s gaze radiated the turf in Monarch Country.

“I don’t think we were in panic mode at all,” Engel said. “We had just missed a couple of opportunities here and there.”

Marysville’s Julian Kennedy and Jordan Anspach fight for a loose ball against an opposing Irish.

“After they put up four, we were kind of demoralized,” Kovinchick said. “But, this is what happened last time we played them… we came back and won big.”

Ben Durey chopped the Irish lead down to 4-3 after scoring during the first 30 seconds of the second half.

Jordan Anspach tied the game 4-4 with around 10:30 left in the third quarter.

The Irish claimed the lead again (5-4) around the eight-minute mark of the third quarter.

Fultz knotted the action at 5-5 a short time later.

After being down a man in several instances, MHS’ offense was able to pull off a play to give Durey an open shot.

He was spot-on with the goal that gave the Monarchs a 6-5 lead around 1:38 to play in the battle.

Marysville’s Ben Durey celebrates the game winning goal towards the end of the fourth quarter.

Marysville fended off all Irish attempts to tie the game again as the seconds ticked down in its favor.

“I think we all went out here and put our full effort in,” Kovinchick said after the game. “A win is a win… that was the best couple seconds of lacrosse I’ve ever seen these boys play.”

Inside the cage, freshman goalie Sean McGee stayed vigilant. He notched 10 saves as he played a vital role in the Monarchs’ defense.

“Even though we’ve had a rough season… these boys did well at the end of the day,” Kovinchick said.

The Monarchs were slated to compete against the Dublin Jerome Celtics on their home turf Monday evening.

The Marysville Monarchs celebrate its second playoff victory in program history.