In one of the most thrilling high school lacrosse matchups New Jersey has seen in recent years, the Hopewell Valley Bulldogs etched their name into the history books by defeating rival Notre Dame 9-7 in the inaugural Colonial Valley Conference (CVC) Tournament Championship. Played under the lights at Ackerson Field, the game was not only a display of top-tier high school talent but also a story of redemption, resilience, and a team rising to the moment when it mattered most.
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🥍 A Rivalry Forged in Grit and Glory
The rivalry between Hopewell Valley (15-2) and Notre Dame (12-3) has always been intense, but Thursday night’s championship game elevated that tension into something unforgettable. Just weeks earlier, the Irish had dealt the Bulldogs a stinging 13-9 defeat—Hopewell’s only conference loss of the season. But this time, the stakes were higher, the strategy tighter, and the hunger for redemption undeniable.
“This win means everything,” said senior attackman Luke Caldwell, who notched an incredible five goals, four of them unassisted. “We’ve been working toward this moment since our freshman year. To go back-to-back and do it against such a great team—it’s phenomenal.”
🏆 The First-Ever CVC Tournament Championship
With the Mercer County Tournament (MCT) now in the rearview, the newly minted CVC Tournament brought together the best the conference has to offer. That it came down to Hopewell and Notre Dame was no surprise. These two programs have been dominant all season, and the championship game lived up to the hype from the first faceoff to the final whistle.
Hopewell came out with a vengeance, controlling the pace early and jumping to a 4-1 lead in the first quarter. They maintained their composure and defensive intensity throughout, even while losing 13 of 19 faceoffs. Their ability to execute on limited possessions and force tough looks from Notre Dame’s offense proved to be the difference.
Defensively, the Bulldogs were clinical. They held a potent Irish offense—loaded with eight legitimate scorers—to a season-low seven goals and a shooting percentage of just 22%. Senior goalie Owen Shehab was a wall in the net, registering 13 saves, five of which came in a critical fourth quarter.
“Owen played out of his mind tonight,” said Hopewell coach Matt Foret. “We challenged our defense to step up, and they did exactly that. The boys executed the game plan perfectly.”
🌟 Star Power on Display
Luke Caldwell, who recently became the first player in Mercer County history to surpass 400 career points, was the undisputed star of the night. His performance not only showed off his elite skill but also his leadership and composure under pressure.
“We wanted high-quality shots only,” Caldwell said. “Spacing, ball movement, controlling tempo—that was the game plan. We did it.”
Supporting Caldwell’s offensive fireworks were Ty Becker with two goals, Ryan Foret with a goal and three assists, and Johnny Ellis, who added a goal and assist of his own.
Notre Dame, to their credit, never stopped battling. Merritt Long recorded a hat trick, and Emanuel Jastrzebski chipped in two goals in a late push that nearly swung momentum. But Hopewell’s defense held firm, forcing tight-angle shots and shutting down scoring lanes in the game’s final minutes.
🏅 Sportsmanship, Growth, and a Look Ahead
The game wasn’t just about the scoreboard. It was also a celebration of growth, grit, and sportsmanship. Goalie Owen Shehab received the George Abel Memorial Sportsmanship Award, a touching recognition for a player who only started playing lacrosse in high school and earned his varsity stripes through hard work and perseverance.
“He started out just wanting to be a part of the team,” said Coach Foret. “He worked hard, earned his spot, and tonight he was a hero. That’s what high school sports are all about.”
For Notre Dame, the loss is painful—but not without silver linings. Head coach Bryan Rice praised his team’s effort and emphasized the experience gained in high-pressure games like this one.
“We made a few early mistakes, and Hopewell took advantage,” Rice said. “But we’re a young squad. This was a learning experience, and we’ll be back stronger. There’s a lot of lacrosse left to play.”
Indeed, with a junior-heavy roster and a strong state tournament ranking, Notre Dame is already eyeing bigger goals for next season.
📈 Hopewell’s Sights Set on State Glory
Hopewell’s win not only secured the first-ever CVC Tournament title, it also cements their status as favorites in the upcoming NJSIAA North Group II playoffs. If they keep this momentum, they could become the first CVC team to ever win a sectional championship—a remarkable milestone that now feels closer than ever.
“We’re here to win,” Caldwell said. “We’ve shown what we can do. Now it’s time to finish the job.”
📣 Celebrate the Best of NJ High School Sports
From edge-of-your-seat lacrosse battles to football, soccer, basketball, and beyond, high school sports are at the heart of New Jersey communities. They showcase not just talent, but passion, pride, and perseverance.
Explore more incredible stories, scores, and standout performances at Explore New Jersey High School Sports—your go-to destination for everything happening on the fields, courts, and tracks across the Garden State.
Whether you’re a parent, alum, student, or local sports fanatic, stay connected and celebrate the athletes who give their all, game after game.
PICTURE GALLERY:
(Kyle Franko/ Trentonian Photo)
(Kyle Franko/ Trentonian Photo)
Hopewell Valley goalie Owen Shehab looks to pass the ball to a teammate against Notre Dame during the CVC Tournament boys lacrosse championship game on Thursday night at Ackerson Field in Hopewell Twp. (Kyle Franko/ Trentonian Photo)
Hopewell Valley’s Luke Caldwell, left, tries to move away from the defense of Notre Dame’s Darin Urstadt, right, during the CVC Tournament boys lacrosse championship game on Thursday night at Ackerson Field in Hopewell Twp. (Kyle Franko/ Trentonian Photo)
Notre Dame’s Caden Federigo, right, scoop up the ball and tries to move away from Hopewell Valley’s Kyle Yadamiec, left, during the CVC Tournament boys lacrosse championship game on Thursday night at Ackerson Field in Hopewell Twp. (Kyle Franko/ Trentonian Photo)
Notre Dame’s Merritt Long, left, celebrates his goal with teammate Alexander White, right, against Hopewell Valley during the CVC Tournament boys lacrosse championship game on Thursday night at Ackerson Field in Hopewell Twp. (Kyle Franko/ Trentonian Photo)
Notre Dame’s Emanuel Jastrzebski, left, has the ball poked away by Hopewell Valley’s Milan Desai, right, during the CVC Tournament boys lacrosse championship game on Thursday night at Ackerson Field in Hopewell Twp. (Kyle Franko/ Trentonian Photo)
Notre Dame’s Darin Urstadt, left, runs the ball clear as he’s pursued by Hopewell Valley’s Ty Becker, right, during the CVC Tournament boys lacrosse championship game on Thursday night at Ackerson Field in Hopewell Twp. (Kyle Franko/ Trentonian Photo)
Hopewell Valley’s Ty Becker, right, and Ryan Foret, left, celebrate a goal by Becker against Notre Dame during the CVC Tournament boys lacrosse championship game on Thursday night at Ackerson Field in Hopewell Twp. (Kyle Franko/ Trentonian Photo)
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Notre Dame’s Merritt Long, 3, shoots the bal as he’s knocked to the ground by Hopewell Valley’s Michael Vagott, 27, during the CVC Tournament boys lacrosse championship game on Thursday night at Ackerson Field in Hopewell Twp. (Kyle Franko/ Trentonian Photo)
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Notre Dame’s Kenny Romano, center, celebrates his goal with teammates Eli Coffman, left, and Griffin Schaefer, right, during the CVC Tournament boys lacrosse championship game on Thursday night at Ackerson Field in Hopewell Twp. (Kyle Franko/ Trentonian Photo)
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Hopewell Valley’s Ryan Foret, right, dodges to the cage as Notre Dame’s Eli Coffman, left, defends during the CVC Tournament boys lacrosse championship game on Thursday night at Ackerson Field in Hopewell Twp. (Kyle Franko/ Trentonian Photo)
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Hopewell Valley’s Johnny Ellis, left, tries to move past the defense of Notre Dame’s Joe Conway during the CVC Tournament boys lacrosse championship game on Thursday night at Ackerson Field in Hopewell Twp. (Kyle Franko/ Trentonian Photo)
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Notre Dame goalie Vincenzo Labianca runs the ball up the field against Hopewell Valley during the CVC Tournament boys lacrosse championship game on Thursday night at Ackerson Field in Hopewell Twp. (Kyle Franko/ Trentonian Photo)
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Notre Dame’s Torrian Ellis, left, tries to ride the check of Hopewell Valley’s Kyle Yadamiec, right, during the CVC Tournament boys lacrosse championship game on Thursday night at Ackerson Field in Hopewell Twp. (Kyle Franko/ Trentonian Photo)
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Hopewell Valley’s Ty Becker passes the ball against Notre Dame during the CVC Tournament boys lacrosse championship game on Thursday night at Ackerson Field in Hopewell Twp. (Kyle Franko/ Trentonian Photo)
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Notre Dame’s Liam Donovan looks to pass the ball against Hopewell Valley during the CVC Tournament boys lacrosse championship game on Thursday night at Ackerson Field in Hopewell Twp. (Kyle Franko/ Trentonian Photo)
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Notre Dame’s Kenny Romano, center, runs away from Hopewell Valley’s Luke Caldwell, left, and Dylan Yasher, right, during the CVC Tournament boys lacrosse championship game on Thursday night at Ackerson Field in Hopewell Twp. (Kyle Franko/ Trentonian Photo)
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Hopewell Valley defender Milan Desai, left, and coach Matthew Foret, right, celebrate after defeating Notre Dame during the CVC Tournament boys lacrosse championship game on Thursday night at Ackerson Field in Hopewell Twp. (Kyle Franko/ Trentonian Photo)
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Hopewell Valley’s Ben DeCore, 5, celebrates after defeating Notre Dame during the CVC Tournament boys lacrosse championship game on Thursday night at Ackerson Field in Hopewell Twp. (Kyle Franko/ Trentonian Photo)
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Hopewell Valley players celebrate with the championship trophy after a win over Notre Dame during the CVC Tournament boys lacrosse championship game on Thursday night at Ackerson Field in Hopewell Twp. (Kyle Franko/ Trentonian Photo)
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Hopewell Valley’s Luke Caldwell, left, shoots and scores as Notre Dame’s Darin Urstadt, right, defends during the CVC Tournament boys lacrosse championship game on Thursday night at Ackerson Field in Hopewell Twp. (Kyle Franko/ Trentonian Photo)
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Notre Dame’s Jay Benjamin, center, tries to corral the ball as he’s checked by Hopewell Valley’s Ty Becker, left, and Kyle Yadamiec, right, during the CVC Tournament boys lacrosse championship game on Thursday night at Ackerson Field in Hopewell Twp. (Kyle Franko/ Trentonian Photo)
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Hopewell Valley’s Joseph Demareski looks to pass the ball to a teammate against Notre Dame during the CVC Tournament boys lacrosse championship game on Thursday night at Ackerson Field in Hopewell Twp. (Kyle Franko/ Trentonian Photo)
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Notre Dame’s Emanuel Jastrzebski, 22, sets himself to shoot the ball against Hopewell Valley during the CVC Tournament boys lacrosse championship game on Thursday night at Ackerson Field in Hopewell Twp. (Kyle Franko/ Trentonian Photo)
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Hopewell Valley’s Johnny Ellis, left, is checked by Notre Dame’s Luke Spearnock, right, during the CVC Tournament boys lacrosse championship game on Thursday night at Ackerson Field in Hopewell Twp. (Kyle Franko/ Trentonian Photo)
Hopewell Valley’s Johnny Ellis, left, spins as he’s defended by Notre Dame’s Liam Donovan, right, during the CVC Tournament boys lacrosse championship game on Thursday night at Ackerson Field in Hopewell Twp. (Kyle Franko/ Trentonian Photo)
Hopewell Valley’s Ryan Foret, right, tries to move around the defense of Notre Dame’s Kyle Wood, left, during the CVC Tournament boys lacrosse championship game on Thursday night at Ackerson Field in Hopewell Twp. (Kyle Franko/ Trentonian Photo)
Hopewell Valley goalie Owen Shehab controls the ball against Notre Dame during the CVC Tournament boys lacrosse championship game on Thursday night at Ackerson Field in Hopewell Twp. (Kyle Franko/ Trentonian Photo)
Referee Keith Glock, left, gets ready for the opening face off between Notre Dame’s Kenny Romano, center, and Hopewell Valley’s Dylan Yasher, right, during the CVC Tournament boys lacrosse championship game on Thursday night at Ackerson Field in Hopewell Twp. (Kyle Franko/ Trentonian Photo)
Notre Dame coach Bryan Rice watches from the sideline against Hopewell Valley during the CVC Tournament boys lacrosse championship game on Thursday night at Ackerson Field in Hopewell Twp. (Kyle Franko/ Trentonian Photo)
Hopewell Valley athletic director Tripp Becker strides across the field before the start of the CVC Tournament boys lacrosse championship game on Thursday night at Ackerson Field in Hopewell Twp. (Kyle Franko/ Trentonian Photo)
Notre Dame athletic director Nate Weber looks on during the CVC Tournament boys lacrosse championship game on Thursday night at Ackerson Field in Hopewell Twp. (Kyle Franko/ Trentonian Photo)
Hopewell Valley players pose for a photo with the championship trophy after defeating Notre Dame during the CVC Tournament boys lacrosse championship game on Thursday night at Ackerson Field in Hopewell Twp. (Kyle Franko/ Trentonian Photo)
