After its first official varsity season in 2022, the Riverside-Brookfield High School boys lacrosse program is looking to take the next step.
That includes an IHSA playoff victory after losing last season’s Marist Sectional opener to Hillcrest co-op 10-9 in overtime to finish 4-13.
“[We have] a strong core group of guys. They play together as a team and play tough,” RBHS coach Joe Urbanski said. “[Our goals are] finish the season with a winning record and win in the playoffs. We need guys to buy in and commit to the process, get healthy and clean up the silly mistakes.”
The Bulldogs are 3-5 with victories over Buffalo Grove 11-7 in the season opener, Taft 8-4 and Brother Rice 9-2.
Seniors Drew Swiatek, Cirian Mathews, Dan Domeier and Hunter McClintock and sophomore Max Strong are returning starters.
Key lineup newcomers include senior Sam Tomas, Ryan O’Donoghue, Philly Vazzana and junior Seamus Keohane.
Tomas leads the Bulldogs with eight goals, followed by McClintock (seven), senior Jacob O’Brien (six), Mathews (five) and Swiatek (four).
Riverside-Brookfield’s Hunter McClintock (16) tries to keep control of the ball against Conant Wednesday, March 22, 2023 in Brookfield, IL. (Steve Johnston / Riverside-Brookfield Landmark) 
Riverside-Brookfield’s Joshua Yachnin (0) lets a shot go against Conant Wednesday, March 22, 2023 in Brookfield, IL. (Steve Johnston / Riverside-Brookfield Landmark) 
Riverside-Brookfield’s Ciaran Mathews (5) looks for an open teammate against Conant Wednesday, March 22, 2023 in Brookfield, IL. (Steve Johnston / Riverside-Brookfield Landmark) 
Riverside-Brookfield’s Sam Tomas (33) carries the ball up field against Conant Wednesday, March 22, 2023 in Brookfield, IL. (Steve Johnston / Riverside-Brookfield Landmark) 
Riverside-Brookfield’s Maxwell Strong (13) plays defense against Conant Wednesday, March 22, 2023 in Brookfield, IL. (Steve Johnston / Riverside-Brookfield Landmark)
LTHS boys lacrosse
The Lions are off to a 5-0 start after beating Waubonsie Valley 13-7 on April 10 in Aurora.
Following an 8-1 season-opening victory over Batavia, the Lions have reached double digits every game, beating Prospect 12-1, Wheaton Warrenville South 15-7 and St. Charles East 11-8.
Top players include seniors Finn Buckley, Liam Carolan, Christian Cho, Quinn Farnan, Henry Fink, Will Glimco, Ashton Hutchins and Joe Mazurowski, juniors Jack Campbell and Sean Cherry and sophomores Colin Kultgen and Sean Kultgen.
Last season, the Lions finished 10-9, losing their playoff opener to Batavia 7-6 in the Naperville North Sectional quarterfinals.
