DURHAM - Charlotte Catholic capped an undefeated season with an 18-7 victory over Cardinal Gibbons to claim the boys N.C. High School Lacrosse Association 2-A/3-A state championship Saturday afternoon on Koskinen Field at Duke University.

The Cougars (22-0), runners-up to Western Guilford last year, earned its second NCHSLA 2-A/3-A title with impressive athleticism and an up-tempo offense to keep Cardinal Gibbons (16-5) on its heels.

"It's a phenomenal feeling," Charlotte Catholic coach Bo Turner said. "I've got 11 seniors on this team. I told the team they deserved this."

The Cougars started the scoring early with two quick goals in the first four minutes -- before the Crusaders recorded a shot on goal.

Austin Hardy put Cardinal Gibbons on the board a couple of minutes later with a power-play goal. The teams traded goals to finish the first quarter with the Cougars leading 4-2.

Charlotte Catholic simply took over at the start of the second half. The Cougars won face-offs, forced turnovers, and created and executed on scoring chances to register six straight goals to open up an insurmountable 10-2 lead.

"They have a lot of talent," Cardinal Gibbons coach Mike Curatolo said. "It's hard to keep up with great players."

Senior attacker, Colin Bosse capped the second quarter with three straight goals. Bosse led all players with seven points off of five goals and two assists.

"It's amazing," Bosse said of the win and his second state title. Bosse played as a freshman on the 2005 championship team. "I knew this was the best team we've had at Charlotte Catholic."

The Cougars out-shot the Crusaders 46-20. Cougars goalie Kyle Goddard registered just three saves, but most of the work was done by a defense led by Angelo Acitelli, named the game's top defender.

Senior attacker Mike Sawyer also added to the scoring, finishing with four goals and an assist. Sawyer was named the game's top offensive star.

"These guys [Bosse and Sawyer] all year long brought the team together. They incorporated everyone [in the play]," Turner, who earned coach of the year honors said of his seniors.

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