A look at an amazing high school championship weekend across RI
This past weekend was one of the busiest — and most exciting — on the high school sports calendar, as spring championships were decided in boys and girls outdoor track, boys team tennis and the four divisions of boys and girls lacrosse.
Records were broken on the track, hearts were broken on the court and field and dreams came true as student-athletes from across Rhode Island hoisted that cherished championship plaque. For many, this marked the end of their careers as athletes, as graduation beckons. For others, next season means another chance to take a run at a title.
Journal reporters and photographers were at Conley Stadium and Brown University's Stevenson-Pincince Field, as well as Slater Park in Pawtucket to bring you all the action. Here's a rundown of all the championship stories and photos from a weekend to remember.
Boys Tennis Championship in Rhode Island
La Salle beats Barrington for Division I boys tennis championship: The La Salle boys tennis dynasty is alive and well.
The Rams successfully climbed the mountain again Saturday, coming from behind to defeat Barrington, 4-2, and earning their third consecutive Rhode Island Interscholastic League State Championship. The win marks La Salle’s 11th Division I state title, and its 13th division title overall.
For more: La Salle boys tennis team made 'every court matter' in latest team championship
North Kingstown stays perfect by topping East Greenwich for the Division II title: North Kingstown made it a perfect end to a perfect season.
Read On: Between rain delays, North Kingstown boys tennis caps perfect season with Division II title
In Division III, it was Chariho taking down St. Raphael Academy: The Chargers snapped a 31-year title drought with the win, taking home their first championship since 1992.
Here's how they did it: Chariho boys tennis caps perfect season with Division III title, snaps 31-year drought
Boys & Girls Outdoor Track Championship in RI
The Hawks carried cross country and indoor titles into Saturday at Conley Stadium. They exited with the complete set after dusting rival La Salle over the course of a breezy, unseasonably cold afternoon at the outdoor Rhode Island State Championships.
More: Bishop Hendricken adds spring track title to cap perfect 2022-23 campaign
Few have the natural track and field talent to match Sophia Gorriaran’s legacy at the outdoor Rhode Island State Championships. The potential future Olympian from Moses Brown set a new meet record and captured three gold medals while bowing out in style.
Setting the record: Bishop Hendricken adds spring track title to cap perfect 2022-23 campaign
High School: Girls Lacrosse
When the Quakers lost to Barrington — last year's state champions — in the regular season, they didn’t dwell on the loss. They just continued to focus on doing what they do and being the best team they could be.
It came to a head Saturday.
More: Moses Brown girls lacrosse in top form as Quakers roll to state title over East Greenwich
What helped separate North Kingstown from an equally potent Burrillville offense was the play of Emily Kallman, who owned the draw circle and gave the Skippers the possessions they needed to post the goals and come away with a 17-10 win and claim their second Division II title in three years.
Quick on the draw: Emily Kallman helps lead North Kingstown to Division II girls lacrosse title
Elizabeth Healey finally exhaled after her fourth goal Sunday.
It took the same number of overtime periods and more than 60 minutes of tense action at Stevenson-Pincince Field, but Bay View found the ending it wanted.
Bay View survives: 4 OTs against East Providence, wins Div. III girls lacrosse championship
Mount St. Charles was down by one goal to North Smithfield late in the second half when Ava Laquerre’s injury occurred. After a stoppage of play, Leah Laquerre and the Mounties made it their mission to play for the wounded sophomore.
More: Leah Laquerre gets unintended assist from her sister in Mount St. Charles' title-winning goal
High School: Boys Lacrosse
The game wasn’t played at a breakneck pace. There was not a lot of big hits. The highlights were minimal.
But it was one heck of a lacrosse game.
The annual June matchup between La Salle and Moses Brown — otherwise known as the Rhode Island Interscholastic League State Championship Game — took place Saturday and showed what the two programs do better than everyone else.
More: The boys state lacrosse game was a chess match. Again, it ended with the Rams as kings.
In a season with good wins, bad wins, good losses and bad losses, the effort was always there for the Middletown boys lacrosse team.
The teamwork and chemistry never left.
More: Middletown boys use 'Islander grit' to capture Division II lacrosse title
Westerly’s senior attack man had scored at least one goal for his team in every match this boys lacrosse season. He was overdue as the fourth quarter wound down at Stevenson-Pincince Field, with the Bulldogs looking for the difference in the RIIL Division III title game against Smithfield.
Cody’s patience was rewarded with 5:19 to play.
More: Liam Cody delivered in the 4th quarter to help Westerly win the Div. III lacrosse title
The Rogers boys lacrosse roster is the smallest in the state but that wasn't going to stop this team from achieving its goals. The lack of numbers made the Vikings work a little harder knowing that if any one person slacked, the whole team would suffer.
More: How did the smallest team in RI win a title? For Rogers, it was 14 strong, all day long
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: RIIL high school champions crowned in tennis, track and lacrosse
