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By Brian Pitts

Enterprise Record

When the Davie boys lacrosse team hosted Western Guilford in the first round of the 4-A playoffs on May 1, the War Eagles had an opportunity to do a lot of special things in one day.

They seized the moment.

A year after making the playoffs for the first time in program history, they took down the 17th-seeded Hornets 17-10.

“That’s our first state tournament win,” coach Ross Neisler said. “It was our first ever home playoff game. It was the most points we’ve ever scored in a state tournament game.”

In the second quarter, No. 16 Davie extended a 4-1 lead to 8-4. Even though it looked like his team was in command at intermission, Neisler was concerned things could turn in a hurry.

“At halftime, it felt like a one-point game,” he said. “That team had 11 seniors. That team did not want to end their season, so they came out really strong.”

Neisler felt considerably better at the end of the third, at which point it was 12-7.

“In the third quarter, they were scoring and the fans were behind them,” he said. “But our players locked in and started executing to their ability. Our offense was clicking.”

Sophomore Jack Pisciotta was spectacular with eight goals. “Jack really stepped up,” Neisler said.

Davie was down a starter due to injury, but Neisler turned to Owen Horne, a senior who did not disappoint.

“We had one out with a concussion, so Owen stepped in and put in four goals,” he said. “When he’s clicking, he’s got a great shot. He probably shoots the hardest on the team.”

Junior Ty Carter (five assists, two goals) was doing what he does.

“Ty is ‘Steady Eddie,’” Neisler said. “He did exactly what he was supposed to do, cutting up their defense. He is leading the team in assists and he is dominating as a passer, getting by the first defender, drawing the second defender and finding the open man.”

Western finished 13-7.

Catholic 26, Davie 5

In the second round on May 3, the War Eagles hit the road and ran into a vaunted opponent. There was no shame in going out against a top-seeded Charlotte Catholic that ran its record to 22-0.

It was a season that should be celebrated. The War Eagles (11-10) posted the most wins in their 11-year history. They recorded their first winning record in four seasons and just the second winning record ever.