Lake Norman lacrosse comes up short again in state title bid against Cardinal Gibbons
HICKORY- Lake Norman's boys lacrosse team put forth a valiant effort, but nemesis Cardinal Gibbons denied the Wildcats' bid to end their state championship drought Saturday.
The Crusaders (22-5) scored the only three third-quarter goals to seize a 9-6 lead, and they prevailed 10-7 to claim the 7A state title at Lenoir-Rhyne's Moretz Stadium.
Peter Dolan pocketed two goals and assisted three more to lead the way, and the Cardinal Gibbons junior was named the game's Most Valuable Player in a victory that avenged an 11-7 loss March 7 to the Wildcats.
Crusaders goalkeeper Cody Cartwright recorded eight saves.
For the second time in as many years, Cardinal Gibbons dashed Lake Norman's title hopes in a state final.
The Wildcats, seeking their third state championship and first since 2018, lost 10-8 to Cardinal Gibbons in last year's 4A state final.
"I couldn't be prouder of this group of guys," Lake Norman coach James Brugger said afterward. "We are the best public 7A school. These guys never gave up, and right before halftime we were executing well, so I'm just extremely proud of the effort that they gave not only today but for the entire season."
Seniors Eljay Schellenberg and Kayden Robles each scored two goals for Lake Norman on Saturday.
Senior goalkeeper Ryan Tolbert made eight saves, including a stop on a breakaway in the final seconds of the second quarter to preserve a 6-6 tie at halftime.
The Crusaders led 6-3 in the second quarter before Schellenberg, Robles and Lake Norman senior Connor Mumford scored. Robles' rebound shot evened the score with 22 seconds left in the half.
But Cardinal Gibbons' three third-quarter tallies proved too much to overcome for the Wildcats.
Lincoln Nye and Ethan Cominsky scored the Wildcats' other two goals.
Western Regional champion Lake Norman finished the season 20-7.
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This story was originally published May 31, 2026 at 5:45 AM.