No second-half rally was needed for the Bobcats this time around, much to the delight — and relief, for that matter — of head coach Bryant Cannell. Instead, Sky View took the lead 15 seconds into its 4A state semifinal showdown against intra-valley rival Ridgeline and never trailed on its way to a 14-9 victory on Wednesday night at Dumke Field on the campus of Westminster University in Salt Lake City. The Bobcats (16-4) won their two regular season games against the Riverhawks (11-8) by a combined three goals and needed to overcome a 7-4 fourth-quarter deficit in Millville, plus a second-half deficit in Smithfield.
“It’s an awesome feeling,” Cannell said. “(Our boys) worked really hard all week to prepare and then they came out and executed really well. So, we’re happy we were able to get the outcome that we wanted.
” Up next for Sky View’s second-seeded boys lacrosse team is a Friday evening showdown against No. 1 Jude Memorial (16-3) for all of the marbles. The 4A state championship game will be contested at 5 p.
m. at Zions Banks Stadium in Herriman. This will be the Bobcats’ third consecutive trip to the title tilt and their first as not the top seed.
Judge Memorial dispatched of No. 5 Green Canyon, 14-5, in Wednesday’s first semifinal. “Win or lose, we’re happy to have a shot,” Cannell said.
“We’re coming in as an underdog this year. They’re the higher seed and we have our work cut out for us, but we’re excited to give it our best effort.
