The Bethlehem boys lacrosse team built an 8-3 lead and held on for an 8-6 victory over No. 2 Christian Brothers Academy in Saturday’s Section II Class A semifinal in Colonie.
Eric Halek scored four goals to lead the No. 3 Eagles (12-6) into Wednesday’s championship game against top-seeded Shenendehowa, which defeated No. 4 Guilderland 12-5 in the other semifinal game.
Both Bethlehem and Guilderland avoided upsets in the Section II Class A boys lacrosse quarterfinals last Wednesday.
Bethlehem scored three goals in the third quarter to pull away for a 7-3 victory over a stubborn Colonie team, while Guilderland edged No. 5 Shaker 6-4.
Bethlehem had a difficult time getting clean shots on Colonie goaltender Matt Hamilton in the first half, but that changed in the third quarter as the Eagles gave themselves some breathing room.
Halek scored four goals, and Griffin Blanchard added a goal and two assists for the Eagles. Davey Mitchell tallied twice for Colonie.
Guilderland (11-7) jumped out to a 5-2 halftime lead on Shaker before the Blue Bison (9-8) rallied in the second half.
Six players registered points for the Dutchmen, led by a one-goal, two-assist performance by Patrick Wood.`
