Marin Catholic Boys Lacrosse Cruises Past Marin Academy, Eyes Title

Marin Catholic’s dominant quarterfinal win over Marin Academy in the North Coast Section Division I playoffs stands out as a highlight in Marin County lacrosse this spring.

The Kentfield-based Wildcats overwhelmed their San Rafael neighbors 15-2, making it clear that a third straight NCS crown is still very much in reach as the postseason heads toward Danville.

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Marin Catholic Dominates Marin Academy in NCS D1 Quarterfinal

With the usual intensity that fills lacrosse headlines across Marin County, Marin Catholic jumped out to an 11-0 halftime lead and cruised to a 15-2 win over Marin Academy.

The Wildcats now look ahead to Tuesday’s semifinals, where they’ll face No. 4 Monte Vista after Monte Vista knocked out Tamalpais 8-4. For fans from San Anselmo to Corte Madera, this result just confirms why Marin Catholic sits among the Bay Area’s top programs right now.

Marin Catholic built their win on control, depth, and a fast start that left their rivals from across Sir Francis Drake Boulevard scrambling. They dominated faceoffs, with Mattias Murdick and Nico DiPiazza grabbing key draws and fueling a relentless, fast-breaking offense.

In the first half alone, both Murdick and Chase Ruegg scored three goals each, setting a tone Marin Academy just couldn’t match on either end of the field.

Scoring leaders: Mattias Murdick and Chase Ruegg each tallied three first-half goals, helping Marin Catholic open a commanding lead early.
Faceoffs and control: Murdick and DiPiazza stayed aggressive on draws and turned turnovers into scoring chances, keeping the pressure on Marin Academy.
Goaltending story: Tanner Warne made four first-half saves, while Jake Hillegass added five in the second half to lock things down.
Marin Academy’s run: Marin Academy, the Bay Counties League powerhouse that went undefeated in league play, finally found some offense in the second half with goals from Tommy Winship and Ben Schaefer, but the gap was just too wide.

Key Moments, Coaches, and Player Focus

Auggie Chapman, a senior headed to Marquette, admitted the season’s finish feels close and the team’s goal stays the same: win another NCS title. His words carried a bittersweet note—maybe it’s just the way playoff lacrosse in Marin County always feels as memories stack up and the postseason draws near.

Marin Catholic coach BJ Grill praised the first half for its edge and execution. Still, he urged his squad to keep that level of play going for four quarters. “We played well in the opening 24 minutes, but we need four quarters of excellence if we’re going to bring home another crown,” Grill said. The real test comes next against Monte Vista.

Marin Academy coach Skyler Hopkins offered an honest take on his team’s season and their fight late in the game. He pointed out that the tough score doesn’t really define what the program’s about. “Our season has been about perseverance, and we showed that spirit in the second half,” Hopkins said, highlighting the Red-and-Black’s character even as the scoreboard tilted late.

Looking Ahead: Marin Catholic vs Monte Vista and the Path to the NCS Final

The upcoming semifinal puts Marin Catholic in a high-stakes Bay Area clash with Monte Vista. The Danville squad’s got a reputation for balance and grit.

Monte Vista punched its ticket by beating Tamalpais 8-4. That game really stoked the pride of Marin County’s lacrosse communities, stretching from San Rafael to Novato.

For Marin County fans, this matchup means more than just a score. It’s a marquee NCS D1 battle that’s sure to pull in attention from Larkspur to Fairfax.

Both programs will rally student-athletes and families for what could be a long playoff ride. Marin Catholic’s journey through Kentfield and San Rafael shows why this region still draws the spotlight in North Coast Section lacrosse.

As the season pushes toward a possible NCS final, Marin Catholic’s mix of athleticism, faceoff strength, and steady defense will face a real test. Can the Wildcats keep that early-season spark and turn it into another title run?

That’s the big question echoing from Mill Valley benches to the stands in San Rafael and the coaches’ offices in Kentfield. Tuesday’s semifinal will shape the story of a Bay Area program chasing another chapter in Marin County sports lore.

Here is the source article for this story: Boys lacrosse: Marin Catholic kick starts title quest, rolls past MA

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