Former Hudson Valley HS Star Helps Yale Lacrosse Win First National Title

A university with a proud history of accomplishments and a long line of distinguished alumni that includes five former U.S. presidents, Yale achieved a historic first on Monday.

Yale's men's lacrosse team celebrates the first national championship in school history on Monday in Foxborough, Mass.
Photo Credit: *NCAA*

Joey Sessa, one of Yale's stars in the title game, was a four-time All-American at Minisink Valley High School in the Hudson Valley.
Photo Credit: *Contributed*

Joe Lombardi

05/28/2018 4:02 p.m.

The university's men's lacrosse team defeated Duke 13-11 in the Division I championship game in Foxborough, Mass., giving the Bulldogs their first-ever national title in the sport.

Yale (16-3), which never trailed in the game, held off a late charge by Duke. Instrumental in the Bulldogs holding on was the play of a former Hudson Valley high school star: junior midfielder Joey Sessa.

A four-time All-American at Minisink High School in Orange County, the 5-foot-5, 155-pound Sessa used both his speed and strength to help Yale chew off valuable time on the clock in the closing minutes. His biggest play came with under a minute to go when he seemingly tip-toed along the end line to stay in bounds after being pushed by a defender.

In addition to that fancy footwork, Sessa also scored a goal, giving Yale a 6-4 lead in the first half.

Third-seeded Yale was led offensively by Matt Gaudet's four goals, Jack Tigh's three goals and Ben Reeves' one goal and three assists.

Former Mamaroneck High School star Peter Conley was one of five two-goal scorers for Duke (16-4), the No. 4 seed.

Yale became the first Ivy League team to win a national title since Princeton in 2001.

Click here to follow Daily Voice Newburgh and receive free news updates.