Delbarton Lacrosse captured its first state championship since 2023 on June 9 with an exciting 8-7 victory over Seton Hall Prep at Kean University.

The Green Wave (20-6) controlled much of the afternoon thanks to dominant play at the faceoff X, where juniors Kane Quenault and Jesse DeNegri consistently gave Delbarton extra possessions. Quenault won 12 of 19 faceoffs while DeNegri captured 5 of 7, helping Delbarton dictate the pace throughout the contest.

Delbarton wasted little time getting on the scoreboard. Pierce Bolger opened the championship game scoring before Seton Hall Prep answered to tie the game at 1-1. With just over a minute remaining in the opening quarter, Brody Cozic found the back of the net to restore the Green Wave advantage and send Delbarton into the second quarter leading 2-1.

The Green Wave offense found its rhythm in the second. Gus Cummings extended the lead to 3-1 before Chase Houser added his first goal of the afternoon to make it 4-1. After Seton Hall Prep cut the deficit to two late in the half, DeNegri delivered one of the game's biggest moments. Following the ensuing faceoff, he raced straight down the field and scored unassisted, pushing the Delbarton lead to 5-2 on his first goal of the season.

The Pirates struck once more before halftime, but Delbarton entered the break firmly in control with a 5-3 advantage.

Defense and possession ruled the third quarter. With just 2:17 remaining in the period, Houser capitalized on a rebound opportunity and buried his second goal of the day, giving the Green Wave a 6-3 lead heading into the final quarter.

Seton Hall Prep mounted a furious comeback attempt in the fourth. The Pirates scored early to make it 6-4, but Jack Sheridan answered just 31 seconds later, restoring Delbarton's three-goal cushion at 7-4.

After a turnover led to a Seton Hall Prep goal with 4:33 remaining, the Green Wave delivered what proved to be the championship-clinching strike. With 2:33 left to play, Christian Troczynski found the net to extend the lead to 8-5.

The Pirates refused to go quietly, scoring twice in the closing minutes to pull within one goal. But Delbarton's defense stood tall when it mattered most. In the final seconds, Jake Melchionni made a tremendous defensive play to prevent Seton Hall Prep from getting a clean final shot, allowing the Green Wave to run out the clock and secure the championship victory.

Eight different Green Wave players found the scoresheet in the balanced offensive effort. Houser led the way with two goals and one assist, while Brandon Fodor contributed two assists. Bolger, Cozic, Cummings, DeNegri, Sheridan, and Troczynski each scored once.

Delbarton has reclaimed the Non-Public championship trophy, capping a memorable postseason run with an 8-7 victory over a longtime rival on the biggest stage.