'Instant Classic': Deerfield Edges Brunswick

Two nationally ranked lacrosse programs played an “instant classic” on Wednesday under the lights on Cosby Field, with No. 2 Deerfield hanging on to beat No. 11 Brunswick by a score of 12-11.

After trailing 1-0 early in the first quarter, the Big Green (5-0) never fell behind in the game again and built leads of 6-3 and 9-4 before the Bruins reeled off five goals in a row in the second and third quarters to tie the game at 9. The run was sparked by Coulter Mackesy’s forced turnover on a physical ride and subsequent goal — which gave the home team (and the large home crowd) some life as the contest headed into the latter stages.

Deerfield would build leads of 11-9 and 12-10 before Mackesy netted another to cut the lead to one with just under nine minutes to play in the game — but that would do it for the rainy and misty evening’s scoring plays and the visitors held on for the victory despite many ’Wick opportunities down the stretch. 

“It was a great game between two heavyweights, and they just made one more play than we did,” Head Coach David Bruce said. 

“They’re a very good team. It was a fun night. That’s why you want to play lacrosse at Brunswick — to play teams like that in an unbelievable atmosphere.”

Brunswick will travel to Salisbury on Saturday for a 3 p.m. face-off.