This recap dives into a dramatic North Coast Section Division II boys lacrosse semifinal between the Terra Linda Trojans and Justin-Siena. The Terrehd crowd in San Rafael was buzzing as Terra Linda set up its first-ever NCS final appearance.
With a tense finish in Marin County, Terra Linda pulled off a 13-12 victory. Now, they’ve got a shot at the championship against Miramonte in an all-Marin showdown that locals in San Rafael, Novato, and Tiburon won’t want to miss.
Discover hand-picked hotels and vacation homes tailored for every traveler. Skip booking fees and secure your dream stay today with real-time availability!
Browse Accommodations Now
Terra Linda earns its first NCS Division II final berth on home turf
The semifinal atmosphere at Terra Linda’s home field was electric. Cheers echoed across the San Rafael corridor and spilled into nearby towns like Mill Valley and Sausalito.
The Trojans, seeded No. 1, fought through a back-and-forth battle. Justin-Siena rallied in the fourth quarter after Terra Linda built a late cushion.
The final whistle sent Terra Linda to Thursday’s championship. It’s a milestone for a program that’s been a local cornerstone in the Marin County lacrosse scene for years.
The pivotal plays and the go-ahead finish
Senior captain Sean Takeuchi-Ross delivered the go-ahead goal in the fourth period. He then took control of the faceoff circle late, helping the Trojans ride a crucial momentum swing to victory.
The Trojans dominated at the faceoff X, winning 14 of 22. Coach Kevin Gray pointed to this as a key to keeping possession and pressure on Justin-Siena.
Earlier in the third, Terra Linda’s offense woke up. They scored twice in the final 90 seconds to grab a 10-8 lead, but the Braves answered with a flurry in the fourth to tie things up.
The teams traded blows in a matchup that had Marin County fans buzzing. Folks from Novato to Fairfax were comparing it to classic playoff thrillers.
Several young Trojans stepped up for the home crowd in San Rafael. Sophomores Reilly Nolan and Dawson Friesen combined for six goals, while senior Bennett Baird added three.
Tucker Kurth chipped in with two goals and three assists. Senior Kaden Martin added a goal and three helpers.
On defense, junior Gavin Scrosoppi faced tough matchups. Terra Linda’s disciplined approach made a difference, and Gray praised the defensive effort after the win.
Justin-Siena fought hard right to the end. Fontanella and Ben Freeto sparked a late surge in the fourth, with Freeto finishing with five goals and Fontanella posting three.
The Braves showed plenty of resilience and speed. They found gaps in Terra Linda’s zone at times, keeping the game close until the last seconds.
Key performers and the numbers that mattered
- Sean Takeuchi-Ross – go-ahead goal in the fourth; strong late faceoffs
- Reilly Nolan – three goals
- Dawson Friesen – three goals; six loose-ball wins
- Bennett Baird – three goals
- Tucker Kurth – two goals; three assists
- Kaden Martin – one goal; three assists
- Cameron Gregoire – defensive work limiting Gavin Scrosoppi
Gray said Terra Linda’s possession advantage turned the tide. The mix of faceoff wins and clutch scoring helped the Trojans survive Justin-Siena’s late push and keep control when it counted.
The pace of the game put both Marin County programs on display. Fans of Marin Catholic sports are probably already circling Thursday’s final on their calendars—who wouldn’t?
What this means for Marin County lacrosse and the championship
With the win, Terra Linda gets to host the NCS Division II final against Miramonte (No. 3, 12-8) on Thursday at their home field in San Rafael.
Miramonte made it here by beating No. 7 University 7-4 in the other semifinal. Now, we get a marquee showdown—two strong Marin County programs, one sectional title, and maybe even a shot at a deeper playoff run.
Lacrosse fans in Novato and beyond have something to celebrate. The summer-to-spring pipeline of talent is clearly working, feeding into the NCS ranks every year.
The road to a NorCal title runs right through the buzzing fields of Terra Linda. The lacrosse culture in towns from Sausalito to San Anselmo feels as strong as ever.
Whether you’ve followed Mill Valley lacrosse forever or you’re just getting into it from Larkspur, Thursday’s final looks like it could be a classic. Honestly, it’s hard not to feel a little excited for what’s coming in Marin County sports history.
Here is the source article for this story: Boys lacrosse: TL earns first NCS title shot with hard-fought win in semis
Find available hotels and vacation homes instantly. No fees, best rates guaranteed!
Check Availability Now
Cities and Towns in Marin County
Things to Do in Marin County
Places to Stay in Marin County
