The New Canaan Rams saw their standout season come to an end Wednesday night, falling 8-5 to rival Darien in the CIAC Class LL boys lacrosse semifinals at Rafferty Stadium.
After two previous victories over the Blue Wave this spring—including a dramatic double-overtime win in the FCIAC semifinals—New Canaan struggled to maintain possession in the final frame. Darien’s relentless ride and staunch defense, led by senior long pole Mark McNamara and goalie George Persinger, proved decisive.
Cole Campisi opened the scoring for the Rams with 4:04 remaining in the first quarter, but Darien responded with a 4-0 run spanning the first and second quarters to take control. Ben Bilodeau, who finished with four goals, was instrumental in the surge. McNamara’s dominance between the lines and Persinger’s 11 saves limited New Canaan’s scoring chances.
Trailing 5-3 at halftime, the Rams pulled within one on a goal by Grey Wildman early in the third. Though Campisi added his second goal late in the third to keep it close at 6-5, New Canaan’s offense stalled in the final quarter. The Rams were held scoreless in the last 12 minutes.
Despite a late man-up opportunity, New Canaan could not capitalize. Persinger made key saves and Darien controlled time of possession, culminating in Bilodeau’s fourth goal with 49 seconds remaining.
New Canaan’s sophomore goalies split time, with Cam Lyden recording seven saves in the first half and Jackson Crowell stopping six in the second. Midfielder JT O’Neill stood out on faceoffs, keeping the Rams in contention.
Darien will advance to face No. 3 Staples in the championship game on Saturday. For the Rams, the loss ends an 18-3 season highlighted by consistent play, standout performances from underclassmen, and a fierce rivalry with Darien.
The Rams return key pieces next season, including O’Neill and Wildman, and will be bolstered by the return of Rogan Lowe, who missed most of the year due to injury.
The 2025 semifinal marked another chapter in Connecticut’s fiercest lacrosse rivalry, one that will resume with familiar intensity next spring.
