NOLENSVILLE, TN – The Cookeville Cavaliers’ historic boys’ lacrosse season came to an end in a narrow 3-2 loss against Hillsboro in the TSLA public division 2 state championship game on Saturday night in Nolensville.
The loss ended the Cavs’ previously undefeated season, as Hillsboro effectively defended in front of the net to earn the low-scoring win.
Grady Gammon made two saves in the first quarter to keep the game scoreless.
The Burros struck first with a goal with nine minutes remaining in the first half. Jayden Baker responded quickly with a goal for the Cavs to tie the game at two, but the Burros added another 44 seconds later to take a 2-1 lead into halftime.
Jack Snider tied the game for CHS with 32 seconds remaining in the third quarter after a steal in front of the Hillsboro net.
The Burros would then score with 8:32 remaining in the game to regain the lead. The Cavs were unable to convert on multiple chances with a man-advantage in the final moments as they fell just short of completing a perfect season.
It was Cookeville’s second appearance in the state title game, and the 2021 campaign was the most successful in the history of the lacrosse program.
Photos by Noah McKay:
