Conard hosted Wethersfield in a CIAC Class L boys lacrosse playoff game in West Hartford Wednesday night, moving into the quarterfinals with an 18-3 win.

Sports reporting is sponsored by Keating Agency Insurance

Conard vs. Wethersfield boys lacrosse. CIAC Class L tournament round 2. June 4, 2025. Photo credit: Cole Schweiger

By Ryan Leef. Photos by Cole Schweiger

After earning a first-round bye, the Conard boys lacrosse team returned to action with authority in the second round of the CIAC Class L state tournament, crushing Wethersfield 18-3 on their home turf at McKee Stadium in West Hartford.

Conard came out aggressive on both ends of the field, setting the tone with a suffocating defense that shut down Wethersfield’s early efforts throughout the game . Senior Luke Shaffer opened the scoring off a counterattack, assisted by junior Brady Cersosimo. Moments later, senior Ben Walsh added another goal before sophomore Ryan Barnum made it 3-0 with a sharp finish following an offensive surge.

Conard vs. Wethersfield boys lacrosse. CIAC Class L tournament round 2. June 4, 2025. Photo credit: Cole Schweiger

The Red Wolves leaned heavily on their fast-break game, and it paid off. Shaffer struck again – twice – capitalizing on turnovers and quick transitions, both times assisted by Cersosimo. By the end of the first, Conard held a commanding lead and looked completely unstoppable.

The offensive onslaught didn’t let up in the second quarter. Cersosimo found the back of the net early in the quarter, and though Wethersfield managed to break through with two goals, Conard quickly regained control. Senior Nick Katsaros netted a goal off a feed from Shaffer, and Barnum added another after a swift counterattack – highlighting the Red Wolves’ consistent pattern of turning defense into quick offense.

Conard vs. Wethersfield boys lacrosse. CIAC Class L tournament round 2. June 4, 2025. Photo credit: Cole Schweiger

Conard was able to pull away in the third. Katsaros scored twice – once unassisted and once off another Shaffer assist. Cersosimo continued his strong performance with two goals, including a textbook transition play with Shaffer. Barnum and Katsaros each added another, stretching the lead to double digits as Wethersfield struggled to keep up.

Conard advances to the quarterfinals with a comfortable 18-3 victory, showcasing balancing, relentless defense and clinical counterattacks.

No. 4 seed Conard will host No. 5 seed Simsbury on Saturday, June 7, at 2 p.m. at McKee Stadium.

Conard vs. Wethersfield boys lacrosse. CIAC Class L tournament round 2. June 4, 2025. Photo credit: Cole Schweiger

Conard vs. Wethersfield boys lacrosse. CIAC Class L tournament round 2. June 4, 2025. Photo credit: Cole Schweiger

Conard vs. Wethersfield boys lacrosse. CIAC Class L tournament round 2. June 4, 2025. Photo credit: Cole Schweiger

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