The Delbarton lacrosse team added another historic chapter to one of New Jersey's most decorated programs on Thursday night, rallying from an early three-goal deficit to defeat Summit, 10-9, and capture the program's first-ever Kirst Cup championship at Kean University.
The victory officially crowned Delbarton as New Jersey's overall state champion and marked the Green Wave's first Kirst Cup title since the event was created in 2023 following the NJSIAA's decision to discontinue the Tournament of Champions. The Kirst Cup was established to preserve the tradition of determining a single statewide champion and is named in honor of longtime Summit coach Kyle Kirst, who passed away in 2015. Kyle was also the father of Delbarton alumnus and NCAA all-time leading scorer CJ Kirst.
The Hilltoppers came out firing, building a 3-0 first-quarter lead. Delbarton, however, never panicked. The Green Wave gradually chipped away at the deficit and trailed just 6-4 at halftime.
After Summit extended its lead in the third quarter, Delbarton continued to battle back. Gus Cummings delivered a dramatic goal late in the third period, knotting the game at 7-7 and setting the stage for a dramatic final quarter.
The teams traded goals throughout the fourth quarter, eventually reaching a 9-9 deadlock in the final minute. Then, with just 29 seconds remaining, Brandon Fodor found the back of the net for his second goal of the quarter, giving Delbarton its first lead of the night and what would prove to be the game-winning goal.
Pierce Bolger paced the Green Wave offense with four goals, while Chase Houser added three scores to go along with Fodor's two on the afternoon. In net, Matty McGinty made nine saves for the win. The faceoff x was paced by the play of Jesse DeNegri, who won 13 of 15 faceoffs to give Delbarton valuable possession time down the stretch.
With the win, Delbarton completed its 2026 campaign atop New Jersey lacrosse, capturing the program's first Kirst Cup championship and adding yet another prestigious trophy to a tradition that has long set the standard for excellence in the Garden State.
