The Westfield-Summit Lacrosse Rivalry: A Union County Tradition Reaches New Heights in 2025
The Union County boys lacrosse tournament has long been defined by one electrifying rivalry: Westfield versus Summit. For six consecutive years, these two powerhouse programs have clashed in the championship final, turning what was once a regional matchup into a must-watch spectacle. The 2025 showdown promises to be no exception, with Westfield riding an eight-game winning streak and Summit aiming to extend their seven-year title reign. This isn’t just a game—it’s a collision of tradition, talent, and small-town pride, where every ground ball and behind-the-back shot carries the weight of history.
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A Rivalry Forged in Fire
The Westfield-Summit lacrosse feud is the stuff of local legend. Since their first championship face-off in 2019, the teams have traded blows like heavyweight boxers, with Summit holding a slight edge in titles but Westfield refusing to back down. The 2025 season added fuel to the fire when Westfield snapped Summit’s early-season momentum with a gritty 5-3 win on April 4—a victory that handed them the tournament’s top seed.
What makes this rivalry unique isn’t just the stakes; it’s the contrast in styles. Summit, coached by the legendary Jim Davidson, plays with the precision of a Swiss watch, relying on systems honed over years of dominance. Westfield, meanwhile, thrives on adaptability, with coach Kurt Hommen encouraging creative plays that keep opponents guessing. This clash of philosophies ensures every final is a chess match—one where a single missed slide or intercepted pass can tilt the game.
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Westfield’s Ascent: The Streak That Changed Everything
Westfield’s road to the 2025 final has been a masterclass in resilience. After their April upset of Summit, they bulldozed through Scotch Plains-Fanwood and other contenders, with senior attackman Colin Coyle emerging as the team’s heartbeat. His two-goal, one-assist performance in the semifinals showcased his knack for clutch plays, but it’s Westfield’s depth that’s been the real story. Midfielders like Jake Vall-Llobera have dominated face-offs, while goalie Ryan Waldman’s 63% save rate has anchored a defense that’s allowed just 4.2 goals per game during the streak.
Yet skeptics whisper: Can Westfield handle Summit’s playoff pedigree? The Hilltoppers have won 12 straight elimination games in county tournaments, a stat that looms large over Westfield’s Cinderella run. As Hommen told reporters, “We respect their history, but we’re writing our own.”
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Summit’s Dynasty: The Machine That Won’t Quit
If Westfield is the plucky challenger, Summit remains the gold standard. Their 18-2 record this season includes a 14-3 demolition of New Providence in the semifinals, where Will Iacovelli (5 goals) and Quinn Hynes (4 goals) turned the game into a highlight reel. Davidson’s system—a blend of motion offense and aggressive riding—wears teams down like a tide eroding rock.
But Summit’s secret weapon isn’t just talent; it’s institutional memory. Seniors like Iacovelli were freshmen during the 2022 title run, learning firsthand how to thrive under pressure. “We don’t panic,” Davidson said after the New Providence win. “We just play Summit lacrosse.” That composure will be tested against Westfield’s swarming defense, which held Summit to a season-low 3 goals in their last meeting.
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Beyond the Field: A Community’s Passion Play
The rivalry transcends athletics. Game days transform Johnson High School into a sea of blue (Westfield) and maroon (Summit), with alumni driving hours to attend. Local businesses sponsor pep rallies, and social media buzzes with memes—like Summit’s “Dynasty Donuts” vs. Westfield’s “Streak Smoothies.” Even players lean into the drama; after Westfield’s April win, Waldman joked, “We’re the pirates stealing Summit’s treasure.”
This year’s final, streamed live on Big State Sports, could be a turning point. A Westfield win would end Summit’s seven-year stranglehold, while a Summit victory would cement their status as New Jersey’s most relentless small-school program. Either way, the real winners are the fans, who’ll witness another chapter in a rivalry that’s become the soul of Union County lacrosse.
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A Legacy Defined by Grit and Glory
As the 2025 final approaches, one truth is undeniable: Westfield and Summit have elevated each other. Summit’s dominance forced Westfield to innovate, while Westfield’s rise has pushed Summit to refine their game. The result? A rivalry that’s less about trophies than mutual respect—and a shared understanding that greatness is forged in these very moments.
Whether it’s Coyle dodging through double teams or Iacovelli firing a no-look shot, the plays made on championship day will live on in locker-room lore. Because in Union County, lacrosse isn’t just a sport; it’s a tradition where every pass, check, and celly writes another line in a story that’s far from over. Land ho, indeed—the next chapter awaits.
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