As the spring lacrosse season heats up in Central Jersey, fans are gearing up for one of the most exciting matchups of the year. Hopewell Valley and Notre Dame — two of the area’s top high school boys lacrosse teams — are set to clash in a highly anticipated CVC Tournament Championship rematch this Thursday at 6 p.m. at Ackerson Field.
In a tournament marked by gritty defense, unpredictable weather, and a mix of veteran talent and rising stars, both squads have earned their shot at the title — and the right to prove who truly owns the CVC crown.
Rainy Semifinals, Clear Intentions
Under a misty Tuesday evening sky, Notre Dame, the second seed, battled through challenging conditions to dispatch Princeton Day, 8-3. The Irish showcased not only their offensive depth but their defensive tenacity, allowing just three goals on 25 shots — a dominant effort that paved their way to the final.
Immediately after, top-seeded Hopewell Valley made a statement of its own. After trailing early against Princeton High, the Bulldogs exploded offensively, outscoring the Tigers 11-2 the rest of the way in a convincing 12-4 victory. The team’s composure, fueled by a fired-up halftime regroup, was evident as they locked down defensively and flowed freely on offense.
Now, with the weather expected to clear for Thursday’s title game, both teams are ready to leave it all on the field.
A Rivalry Rekindled
This isn’t just another championship game. It’s a rematch with stakes beyond the scoreboard.
Hopewell (14-2) has had this matchup circled on the calendar since Notre Dame (12-2) handed them a 13-9 loss on May 3. That game saw standout Notre Dame junior Emanuel Jastrzebski, a Rutgers commit, dish out six assists after being locked off at the X. The Irish spread the scoring around with seven different players hitting the net — a testament to their offensive versatility.
Hopewell’s senior captain and defensive anchor, Milan Desai, knows exactly what this rematch means.
“Every time we play them, it’s a battle. Last time stung, and we’ve been working to make sure this one goes differently,” Desai said. “We’re locked in. Everyone’s focused on redemption.”
Notre Dame, meanwhile, has its own score to settle. Hopewell eliminated the Irish from last year’s tournament, so this game is about more than just hardware — it’s about legacy.
“We’d love to see Hopewell again,” said Jastrzebski after their semifinal win. “They got us last year. It would be nice to flip the script — and do it when it matters most.”
Players to Watch
- Emanuel Jastrzebski (Notre Dame) – The offensive leader, capable of scoring and distributing. He’s been a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.
- Ryan Foret (Hopewell) – With 5 goals and an assist in the semifinal, he’s heating up at the right time and finding ways to lead the attack.
- Luke Caldwell (Hopewell) – Another offensive threat, Caldwell notched 4 goals and adds balance to the Bulldogs’ front line.
- Milan Desai (Hopewell) – One of the most physical, reliable defenders in the CVC, Desai will be tasked with locking down Notre Dame’s top threats.
- Owen Shehab (Hopewell goalie) – A brick wall in net, Shehab’s quick hands and size make him a game-changer in close contests.
Tactical Chess Match Ahead
Both coaches are fine-tuning strategies heading into Thursday’s final. Hopewell is known for its adaptability on defense, frequently shifting between man and zone coverage. In their last game against Notre Dame, they locked Jastrzebski off the ball and forced the rest of the Irish offense to beat them — which it did, thanks to excellent ball movement.
Expect both sides to adjust. Notre Dame will likely focus on quick passes and spacing to exploit defensive shifts, while Hopewell may try to limit Notre Dame’s time of possession and keep the ball out of dangerous hands.
“They’ve got a great offense — deep, fast, and skilled,” said Hopewell coach Matt Foret. “We’ve got to be better at managing possessions and capitalizing on our chances. Winning ground balls, faceoffs, and limiting their looks — that’s the key.”
A Championship Worth Watching
Thursday night’s CVC Tournament final promises to be a fast-paced, high-energy showdown between two elite teams. It’s more than just a battle of sticks and strategy — it’s a clash of pride, rivalry, and unfinished business.
With strong coaching on both sidelines, high-caliber talent all over the field, and a dry forecast finally in place, expect 48 minutes of top-tier lacrosse — and a packed crowd ready to witness the best the CVC has to offer.
Whether you’re a long-time fan of New Jersey high school sports or just discovering the intensity of lacrosse at the local level, this game is one you won’t want to miss.
Game Info:
📍 Ackerson Field
📅 Thursday, May 16, 2025
🕕 6:00 PM – Championship Faceoff
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