The Cranston West boys lacrosse team remained in the thick of the Division II playoff race and took down defending champion Middletown 13-11 during Monday’s Senior Night.

The two clubs were tied 6-6 at halftime and the Islanders jumped ahead 8-6 in the opening minutes of the third quarter. It was all West from there, though, as the Falcons took control and dominated late in the third and through the fourth quarter.

Eight different players found the back of the net for West. Leading the way was Charlie Maguire with three goals while Cam Scorpio also added a hat trick. Nolan Fortes added a pair of goals and Jack Majcher, Mason Stephenson, Jayden Bogle, Justin Drohen and Paul DeBalsi scored one each. Drohen recorded a team-high three assists and goalie Sam Naiefeh racked up 12 saves.

“We’ve handled adversity all year, being down five, seven goals. We knew if we came out in the second half and battled that we’d get it done, and that’s what happened,” said Naiefeh of the team’s late rally.

After a two-win season in 2023, the Falcons have turned around and sit in second place in Division II. The seniors have noticed a more confident core this season and have been hard at work for almost a year in preparation for the upcoming playoffs.

“We started earlier than probably everyone in this division. Since the summer we’ve been grinding and we haven’t stopped. Our practices are competitive, iron sharpens iron, so that’s how we get it done,” said Naiefeh, who has also progressed in his second year in net. “I think I took a big step forward in my game. I’ve been working on my stick skills more, got over the fear of the ball. I knew with a solid goalie in net that the team would benefit, so I’m just doing the best I can.”

Maguire added: “We’ve shown that we’re a scary team and that’s what we’ve learned. Last year we were a little timid, but this year we know that we can be at the top of this division. We know we can make it to the championship.”

Maguire was also excited to see the team wrap up a win on Senior Night.

“This was an emotional game with 15 seniors. We cared about this game and this season. We have more heart than other teams and want it more. We’re showing it out on the field with our hustle,” Maguire said.

Next up for the Falcons is first-place Pilgrim. The two teams will square off on Thursday, and West is looking to get some revenge after falling 11-6 in their previous meeting, while also putting the rest of the division on notice in time for the postseason.

“They’re a good team, they’re a hard team and they play scrappy. We are too, we can keep up with them and we’re going to bring it to them,” Maguire said.