On April 23, Milton Academy Varsity Boys’ Lacrosse defeated Tabor Academy—a team which ranked fifteenth in the country at the time—with a final score of ten to eight.

From the opening whistle, the game carried a playoff-like intensity. Possessions were hard-earned, and every small play seemed to swing the game’s momentum. “Key plays were during faceoffs where we fought for possessions,” said captain Ian Smith ’26, commending Charles Wilmerding ’27, who “battled hard all game, securing game-changing faceoffs.”

Those extra possessions were crucial, allowing Milton to settle into its offensive rhythm. Instead of forcing shots, the Mustangs relied on patience and trust. Captain Max Tsai-Young ’26 emphasized the team’s approach: “our unselfish offensive play, willing to pass up a good shot for a great shot, was crucial to our win.” The ball movement kept Tabor’s defense rotating and created high-quality scoring chances throughout the game.

On the defensive end, Milton delivered one of its strongest performances of the year. “We always strive to have a conversation on defense, talking through how to play with each other,” Tsai-Young commented.

Several individual players stood out. Goalie and captain Avaneesh Siruvuri ’26 anchored the defense with a series of critical saves that kept Milton steady. Reflecting on the performance, Siruvuri emphasized how complete the team effort was: “It was back and forth the whole game… and it really was a team win. We did an excellent job at clearing the ball and riding the ball back.” Defense player Dion Kitsos ’27 also delivered a standout performance by shutting down Tabor’s top scorer, holding him to 0 points.

The victory was not just about talent but preparation. Leading up to the game, practices took on a noticeably sharper edge. “Practices were focused. Everyone knew that we had what it took to win the game and we all dialed in to achieve that goal.” The team also spent significant time studying film and scouting Tabor’s tendencies, ensuring they entered the game with a clear, confident plan.

As Cole Simmons ’26 reflected on the team’s growth, he pointed to earlier losses as a large incentive: “That game had us go through a ton of adversity and a ton of learning experiences for us… Without that game, we don't become the team here now.”

Interestingly, that confidence did not translate into excess energy or noise. Siruvuri described a different kind of intensity leading into the matchup: “We weren't that loud. There wasn’t a lot of hooting and hollering going on in the locker room before the game or even in warm ups on the field. But I think it's just ‘cause everyone knew what that game was.”

Despite the magnitude of the win, the team’s response afterward reflected a broader mindset. The team follows a “24-hour rule,” where players allow themselves a short window to celebrate before shifting focus to the next opponent. “The win felt good, but we needed to move onto bigger things like our next game,” Tsai-Young reflected. Siruvuri echoed that sentiment, noting that while the team was proud of the result, “that win doesn't mean anything… if we [now] lose to a team lower in the rankings.”

Tsai-Young emphasized the team’s humble but hungry mindset: “Each day is something to be grateful for, as the season goes by so quickly. We all knew we needed to make yet another huge step the next day at practice, and every day after that too.”