The Conard boys lacrosse team lost a competitive game to Simsbury, 11-8, on Thursday in West Hartford.

Sports reporting is sponsored by Keating Agency Insurance

By Kelly Fleischmann. Photos by Cole Schweiger

On Thursday evening, the Conard Red Wolves matched up against the Simsbury Trojans at McKee Stadium in West Hartford. The competitive game left parents and fans on the edge of their seats until the Trojans had a strong fourth quarter, securing their victory. 

The Red Wolves, ranked No. 9 overall in Class L, were the expected winners of Thursday’s matchup against Simsbury, ranked No. 25. However, with good communication and strong finishing skills, Simsbury was able to pull out ahead and claim victory over the Red Wolves. 

Conard huddle. Conard boys lacrosse vs. Simsbury. May 7, 2026. Photo Credit: Cole Schweiger

The game began competitively, with Conard’s draw specialist, Graham Eagan, getting the Red Wolves possession of the ball. Junior, No. 19 Ben Walsh, got the first shot off in the game, but his shot was unlucky. The score still being 0-0, a timeout was called for Simsbury. The Trojans’ head coach, Jim Martocchio, who has been coaching there for 17 years, drew up a few plays that proved to be successful. No. 3, Athan Peterson, scored the first goal of the game for Simsbury, followed by No. 6, Luke Martin, securing another goal. 

Both teams battled for the ball for the rest of the first quarter, up until the last few minutes. Conard senior, No. 8 Jordan Lawson, got the first goal for the Red Wolves, making it just a one-point game. However, with one second left No. 4, Cole Roberts, got another one for the Trojans with an unlikely goal that rolled in. The first quarter ended with a score of 3-1, the Trojans in the lead. 

Brady Cersosimo. Conard boys lacrosse vs. Simsbury. May 7, 2026. Photo Credit: Cole Schweiger

Simsbury continued to demonstrate its dominance by winning the draw and maintaining possession of the ball for the first part of quarter No. 2. Chuck Doyle, Conard’s sophomore goalie, had some impressive saves, keeping Conard in the running. This momentum spread to the offense, with No. 5, senior Torin McGoldrick, scoring for the Red Wolves.

With a few fouls and multiple turnovers, the Trojans eventually got the ball back, which allowed for No. 7, Drew Martin, to get a quick shot off and land it in the back of the net. For the rest of the second quarter, Simsbury and Conard went back and forth with possession and goals, both teams scoring two goals, making the score 6-4 at the half, with Simsbury still in the lead. 

Brady Meehan. Conard boys lacrosse vs. Simsbury. May 7, 2026. Photo Credit: Cole Schweiger

In the third quarter, Conard worked to even up the score, despite the Trojans early goal by No. 1, Tate Mairano. With assists from McGoldrick and senior Brady Cersosimo, Walsh was able to get two more points on the board, making the game once again just a one-point difference, with a score of 7-6. 

Conard boys lacrosse vs. Simsbury. May 7, 2026. Photo Credit: Cole Schweiger

Trailing by just a point, the Red Wolves were determined to get in the lead, as demonstrated by their intensity from the first whistle of the fourth. No. 44, Brady Meehan, sank the ball in the back of the net with an assist from Cersosimo, evening up the score. Conard fans got riled up, hoping to see Conard get their well-earned victory. Simsbury, though, had other plans. No. 6, Luke Martin scored with an assist from Drew Martin, putting the Trojans back in the lead. 

From there, the game entirely shifted in favor of Simsbury. The Trojans were able to rack up three more unanswered goals, leading them to their solid 11-7 victory over the Red Wolves. 

Conard boys lacrosse vs. Simsbury. May 7, 2026. Photo Credit: Cole Schweiger

The Red Wolves played again on Saturday, losing a non-league game vs. Minnechaug Regional High School (Massachusetts) 13-6, and now have until Thursday to regroup from the tough losses. Conard, now 9-4, will travel to East Catholic in Manchester on Thursday and finish off the season at home against Glastonbury on May 18 and at crosstown West Hartford rival Hall on May 20.

Simsbury had its last conference game on Saturday, May 9. The Red Wolves will still be advancing into the CCC  tournament as well as states in the upcoming weeks. 

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