Lacrosse: Keeping the Cup!

Since its inception in 2021, the Ihrig-Shaler Cup has been contested annually by Jesuit and Plant, the premier lacrosse programs in the Tampa Bay area. In that short time, it quickly has become arguably the top trophy game in Tampa Bay-area sports.

And for four straight years, the Cup has resided with the Tigers. Friday night at Plant, Jesuit turned in a sensational performance to defeat the Panthers, 15-7.

The Jesuit seniors will finish their careers 4-0 in the Ihrig-Shaler Cup.

The winning streak began in 2023 when the game was played at the University of Tampa and then-freshman Cole Peck '26 ran out the clock as the Tigers protected a close lead. Friday at Plant, Peck, a University of Michigan signee, was sensational, controlling the tempo and orchestrating the offense as Logan Eriksen '28 scored 5 goals and Jackson Jimenez '26 netted 4.

Caden Krsul '28, a two-sport standout fresh off a podium finish at State wrestling, dominated faceoffs, giving Peck and the offense numerous opportunities. During the 2nd and 3rd quarters, Jesuit outscored Plant 11-2 to seize command, and two quick goals to start the 4th pushed the lead to 14-4. 

Sam Schroeder '26 and Preston Shuster '26 anchored the defense and forced the majority of Panthers shots to come from outside, while goalie Tripp Branagan '27 stymied the Plant attack with 11 saves on 18 shots on goal.

Jesuit leads the Cup series 4-2, and head coach Noah Menendez '14 is 2-0. The Tigers have two more regular season games, Monday (March 30) at Community School of Naples, and Wednesday (April 1) vs. Lakewood Ranch, with the District playoffs coming after Easter.