How did Webster Thomas secure the Class B boys lacrosse championship. What role did goalie Ethan Ruller play in the victory. How did Canandaigua attempt a late comeback.
Webster Thomas’ Dominant Defensive Performance
The Webster Thomas Titans showcased their defensive prowess in the Class B boys lacrosse championship game against Canandaigua. Led by senior goalie Ethan Ruller, the Titans held their opponents scoreless for the first three quarters of the match. This remarkable feat set the stage for their eventual 6-5 victory and sectional title.
Ruller’s performance between the pipes was nothing short of exceptional. His ability to read the game and make crucial saves kept Canandaigua at bay for most of the contest. The Titans’ defensive unit also deserves credit for their role in the shutout, effectively blocking shots and disrupting the Braves’ offensive rhythm.
Ethan Ruller’s MVP Performance
Ethan Ruller’s outstanding play earned him MVP honors for the championship game. His calm demeanor and laser focus were evident throughout the match. When asked about his performance, Ruller stated, “I just don’t think the nerves were there.” This mental fortitude proved crucial in maintaining the clean sheet for three quarters.
Ruller’s success can be attributed to a combination of factors:
- Excellent positioning and anticipation
- Strong communication with his defensive unit
- Ability to handle pressure in high-stakes situations
- Experience gained from previous championship appearances
Webster Thomas’ Offensive Strategy
While the defense stole the show, Webster Thomas’ offense played a crucial role in securing the victory. The Titans employed a balanced attack, with multiple players contributing to the scoresheet.
Key Offensive Contributors
Several players stepped up for Webster Thomas in the championship game:
- David Petz: Scored the opening goal and provided an assist
- Joe Russo: Netted two goals, including a crucial fourth-quarter tally
- Nathan Hoban: Scored once and assisted on another goal
- Evan Pashalidis: Added two goals in the second half
This diverse offensive output made it difficult for Canandaigua to focus on shutting down a single player, ultimately contributing to Webster Thomas’ success.
Canandaigua’s Late Rally: A Test of Webster Thomas’ Resolve
Despite trailing 4-0 entering the fourth quarter, Canandaigua mounted an impressive comeback attempt that nearly changed the outcome of the game. The Braves’ late surge demonstrated their resilience and fighting spirit, even in the face of a significant deficit.
Breaking Down Canandaigua’s Fourth-Quarter Push
Canandaigua’s offensive explosion in the final quarter included:
- Cam Tallman scoring on a man-up opportunity
- Dom Comella netting two goals
- Jaxon Grant and Spin Blazak each adding a goal
This furious comeback attempt cut Webster Thomas’ lead to a single goal with just 42.6 seconds remaining on the clock. However, the Titans’ earlier defensive efforts and timely offensive production proved to be the difference-maker.
The Impact of Previous Championship Experience
Webster Thomas’ victory in the 2021 Class B final wasn’t their first taste of championship success. The program had previously claimed the sectional title in 2016, coincidentally also defeating Canandaigua in the final. This prior experience likely played a role in the team’s composure during crucial moments of the game.
Learning from Past Defeats
Interestingly, it wasn’t just past victories that motivated the Titans. Ethan Ruller cited a double-overtime loss to Victor in the 2018 final as a significant source of inspiration. He remarked, “There’s not a day goes by that I don’t think about that game.” This perspective highlights how both triumphs and setbacks can shape a team’s mentality and drive them towards future success.
The Ruller Family Legacy at Webster Thomas
The 2021 championship victory held special significance for the Ruller family. Ethan Ruller’s father, Rob Ruller, serves as the head coach of the Webster Thomas lacrosse program. This unique dynamic allowed Rob to witness his son’s growth and development firsthand, from the disappointment of the 2018 loss to the triumph of the 2021 title.
Coach Rob Ruller reflected on Ethan’s journey, stating, “I think in his heart of hearts, he really wanted to walk away with a win here and kind of leave his legacy on our program and I think he has.” This sentiment encapsulates the personal and familial importance of the championship victory.
Webster Thomas’ Tactical Adjustments
One key factor in Webster Thomas’ success was their ability to adapt their defensive strategy for the championship game. Ethan Ruller noted, “We ran a little more zone than we did in the Victor game.” This tactical adjustment proved effective in neutralizing Canandaigua’s offense for much of the contest.
Benefits of the Zone Defense
The increased use of zone defense offered several advantages:
- Improved shot blocking by defenders
- Better positioning to intercept passes
- Reduced opportunities for one-on-one matchups
- Enhanced communication among defensive players
By implementing this strategy, Webster Thomas was able to frustrate Canandaigua’s offensive rhythm and maintain their clean sheet for an extended period.
The Future of Webster Thomas Lacrosse
With their 2021 Class B title secured, Webster Thomas has solidified its position as a powerhouse in Section V boys lacrosse. The program’s success is likely to have far-reaching effects on the future of lacrosse in the Webster community.
Building on Championship Success
The Titans’ victory could lead to several positive outcomes:
- Increased interest in lacrosse among younger athletes in the area
- Enhanced reputation for the program, potentially attracting top talent
- Improved confidence and experience for returning players
- Greater support from the school and local community
As players like Ethan Ruller move on to collegiate careers (Ruller is set to play at Cornell), their success could inspire the next generation of Webster Thomas lacrosse stars.
Analyzing the Championship Game’s Key Moments
While Webster Thomas controlled much of the game, several crucial moments shaped the outcome of the Class B final. Understanding these pivotal plays provides insight into how the Titans secured their victory.
First-Quarter Offensive Burst
Webster Thomas’ early 3-0 lead in the first quarter set the tone for the entire game. This quick start accomplished several things:
- Built confidence for the Titans’ offense
- Put pressure on Canandaigua to play from behind
- Allowed Webster Thomas to be more conservative in their approach
Third-Quarter Defensive Stand
Maintaining the shutout through the third quarter was a significant psychological advantage for Webster Thomas. This extended period of defensive dominance likely contributed to Canandaigua’s frustration and may have impacted their decision-making in the final quarter.
Crucial Fourth-Quarter Goals
Despite Canandaigua’s comeback attempt, Webster Thomas managed to score two vital goals in the fourth quarter. Joe Russo’s goal with 4:34 remaining and Evan Pashalidis’ tally shortly after proved to be the difference-makers, providing just enough cushion to withstand the Braves’ late surge.
Final Defensive Stop
With Canandaigua threatening to tie the game in the closing seconds, Webster Thomas’ Ben Welch made a critical defensive play. His block of Sam Bennett’s potential game-tying shot secured the victory for the Titans and demonstrated the team’s ability to execute under pressure.
These key moments highlight the importance of maintaining composure and executing in high-pressure situations, traits that defined Webster Thomas’ championship performance.
Webster Thomas earns Class B boys lacrosse title behind defense
by irvish5 Leave a Comment
Ethan Ruller (#4) and one of his defensemen, Tom Wolford (#13) celebrate as time expires in the Class B title game. (Photo: Christopher Cecere)
See more photos by Chris Cecere here
By TIM IRVING
Webster Thomas senior boys lacrosse goalie Ethan Ruller allowed no goals for the first three quarters against Canandaigua in the Class B Finals.
“I just don’t think the nerves were there,” Ruller said after earning MVP honors as the Titans held off a late rally and won the Section V title, 6-5 over the Braves.
The Titans scored twice in a two-minute span of the first quarter, David Petz took a feed from Nathan Hoban and Joe Russo scored off an assist from Petz for a 2-0 lead.
With just under two minutes left in the first, Hoban put the Titans up 3-0 and neither team scored in the second quarter thanks to Ruller and his defense.
“We ran a little more zone than we did in the Victor game and I was seeing the ball and the defense was blocking shots, making saves and making my life easy,” said Ruller.
Evan Pashalidis pushed the lead to 4-0 after three as Ruller and his defense and Jack Faiola and the Braves kept each other off the board.
Things changed dramatically in the fourth quarter.
The Titans took a penalty right before the third quarter buzzer and Cam Tallman scored on the man-up for the Braves.
32 seconds into the fourth, Cam Tallman on a man-up gets @CABravesSports on the board @PickinSplinters pic.twitter.com/XQRTPQ8olb
— Tim Irving (@Irvish5) June 16, 2021
Then Dom Comella had his shot blocked but scooped and scored on the rebound to cut the lead to 4-2.
Dom Comella gets the rebound and two straight for @CABravesSports 4-2.
@PickinSplinters pic.twitter.com/iQEJgDj8ni
— Tim Irving (@Irvish5) June 16, 2021
@PickinSplinters pic.twitter.com/iQEJgDj8niWith 4:34 to play, Cade Spencer fed Russo cutting front and the lead was back to 5-2 for the Titans.
Joe Russo nets his second of the game, from Cade Spencer, 5-2 @Thomaslacrosse leads with 4 left.@PickinSplinters pic.twitter.com/Bv9JPWUyat
— Tim Irving (@Irvish5) June 16, 2021
Just over a minute later, Pashalidis scored again and it was back to a four-goal game.
Pashalidis gets his second of the second half, @Thomaslacrosse leads 6-2 with 3:12 left and now Jaxon Grant gets a quick one for @CABravesSports @pickinsplinters pic.twitter.com/XYxCBwTWfu
— Tim Irving (@Irvish5) June 16, 2021
The Braves refused to go away though and off the ensuing face off, Jaxon Grant cut it back to 6-3 and then Tallman hit Spin Blazak out top to cut the lead to 6-4.
Spin Blazak scores, 6-4 with 2 left @PickinSplinters pic.twitter.com/S6oMgo7s6u
— Tim Irving (@Irvish5) June 16, 2021
With 43 seconds left Tallman behind the net hit Comella and the lead was 6-5.
42.6 left and @CABravesSports closes to 6-5 on Comella’s second @PickinSplinters pic.twitter.com/uwTyKFBJVX
— Tim Irving (@Irvish5) June 16, 2021
The Titans won the draw but Comella got a turnover and sprinted the length of the field and passed to Sam Bennett whose bid for the equalizer was blocked by Ben Welch.
The Titans won the 2016 Sectional title, topping Canandaigua in the final then but it was a double-overtime loss to Victor in the 2018 final that served as inspiration for Ruller.
Webster Thomas celebrates second Section V Class B title since 2016. (Photo: Christopher Cecere)
“There’s not a day goes by that I don’t think about that game and I think about those seniors and they showed up to practice yesterday and gave us some words of encouragement, “ Ruller, who will play at Cornell said.
His father, head coach Rob Ruller, has gotten to see him grow from that loss.
“I think in his heart of hearts, he really wanted to walk away with a win here and kind of leave his legacy on our program and I think he has.”
Filed Under: High School, Pine Pieces
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2022
Scored 4 goals and notched 4 assists in 14 games…Added 3 ground balls and 3 caused turnovers…Scored first college goal in his Roberts’ debut…Named ECC Rookie of the Week for Week Eight after scoring two goals in a win over STAC.
