By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 11/12/22

WILMINGTON, Del. – Midfielder Will Gilfillan says his Tri-State (N.J.) 2024 Gold teammates “all know our roles.”

“It all works for us. we know when to dodge or when to pass,” he said. “We figure it out and do it together.”

Tri-State’s plan worked well today in the Victory Events Liberty National Elite Fall Classic at Chase Fieldhouse. Tri-State was the unofficial winner of the 2023/24 AA Division with a perfect 3-0 mark, capped by a 13-2 win over True Philadelphia 2024.

The big victory was a 2-1 triumph over Black Bear; Tri-State also defeated the South Jersey Shamrocks, 7-2. Mikey Nevins (ATT, Seton Hall Prep) and Nicholas Snyder (Montclair Kimberly Academy) had the goals in the victory over Black Bear and goalie Caden Kirst (Bernards) stood out in goal. In the rout of True Philly, Tri-State seized a 7-1 halftime lead as seven different players scored.

“Our chemistry has been built up and we work as a team,” said faceoff specialist Wilfredo Crispin (Somerville). “We know where everyone is for cuts and we push it all the time.”

“We have a lot of energy on the field, offensively and defensively,” added Kirst. “And everyone keeps each other’s heads up. We pick each other up and compliment each other when we see a good play.”

Nevins said the team’s camaraderie is the key.“

Most of us have been playing together for at least three years and we all mesh really well,” he said. “And yes, we have a lot of energy. It’s more than a team; we do a lot of things together.”