Junior Co-Captain Thomas Freeman in the semifinal game against Blind Brook. Photo by David Fenner.

By J. Murrer and S.Q. DeJoy

June 4, 2025: This week marks a showdown between two powerhouse lacrosse programs. After winning their sectional semifinal matchups on Saturday, the Bronxville boys’ and girls’ lacrosse teams were each set up to face longtime rival Pleasantville in the Class D Section 1 Championship.

Boys’ Lacrosse

Both teams have faced Pleasantville many times in recent years. The Bronxville boys defeated the Panthers in the sectional semifinals in 2021 and 2022, but the Panthers responded with wins over the Broncos in 2023 and 2024. The rivalry continues tonight, as the Broncos face Pleasantville in the Sectional Championship at Yorktown High School at 6:30 p.m.

Bronxville, seeded No. 2 in the Class D playoffs, cruised through the early rounds defeating Haldane 17-6 in the quarterfinals and Blind Brook 17-2 in the semis. No. 1 Pleasantville also advanced, which set the stage for a Bronxville-Pleasantville rematch.

Scoring for the Broncos in the Haldane game included Thomas Freeman (5G), Nick Martinelli (1G, 4A), Chase Bacigalupo (4G), Theo McMurray (3G, 1A), Harry Bacigalupo (2G, 1A), Brian Formato (1G, 1A), and Charlie Atkeson (1G). Freeman and Declan Denning were 18/27 on faceoffs, and Tanner Vaughey had eight saves.

In the Blind Brook game, Nick Martinelli was the top scorer with six goals and three assists followed by Thomas Freeman (2G, 5A), Theo McMurray (2G, 2A), Brady Dolan (2G), Brian Formato (2G), Harry Bacigalupo (1G, 1A), Chase Bacigalupo (1G), Declan Denning (1G), and Patrick Plunkett (1A). Freeman and Denning were 16/22 on faceoffs, and goalkeepers Vaughey and Jack Fowler had six and three saves, respectively.

Girls’ Lacrosse

The girls’ lacrosse team, seeded No. 3 in Class D, dominated No. 5 Westlake 19-2 in the Section 1 quarterfinals and followed up with a 9-4 victory over No. 2 Briarcliff in the semis.

Against Westlake, scoring came from Mabel Arrighi (4G, 1A), Maddy Williams (4G), Charlotte Murray (3G, 1A), Ellie Garofalo (2G, 2A), Rose Woolery (2G), Amy Villanueva (2G), Kendall Valente (1G, 1A), Hadley Ramired (1A), and Ava Toolan (1A). Goalkeeper Michaela Doheny recorded two saves.

In the semifinal win over Briarcliff, Woolery led with four goals, while Williams, Claire Melchioni, Ramired, Murray, and Garofalo each added one. Doheny finished with six saves.

These two playoff victories set up a highly anticipated showdown with top-seeded Pleasantville. The teams have a long-standing rivalry, including last season's thriller in which Bronxville edged out a 6-5 win in the sectional semifinal.

In the Championship game yesterday, the Broncos came out strong, jumping to a 3-0 lead and holding a 5-3 advantage at the end of the first quarter. However, Pleasantville rallied by tying the game 7-7 at the half and taking a 13-10 lead by the end of the third. Pleasantville ultimately claimed an 18-13 victory.

The girls’ team finished the season with a 10-8 record with victories over some of the top teams in all of Section 1, including Class A opponents Mamaroneck and Wappingers and Class B teams Horace Greeley and Ursuline.

Photos from the boys’ lacrosse team semifinal win over Blind Brook taken by David Fenner.

Seniors (l to r) Michael Knox, Kieran Sen, Declan Denning, James Halley, Jeff Colangelo, Will Mattson, and Matt McSherry.

Junior Co-Captain Brian Formato

Desi Heathwood on defense

Midfielder Chase Bacigalupo

Declan Denning (13) and Connor Mestl (28)

Go Broncos!