May 28, 2026

Late goal propels Pope Francis boys to Western Mass lacrosse title

REGIONAL
By Steve Kiltonic

SPRINGFIELD – Pope Francis Preparatory School junior Cam Dunaj scored with just 22 seconds left in regulation on an assist from junior defenseman Mason Thayer to give the Pope Francis Prep boys lacrosse team a thrilling 7-6 win over Amherst as the Cardinals captured their first Western Mass Class B championship since 2023. The defending champion Hurricanes tied the game 6-6 with just under five minutes left to set the stage for Dunaj’s heroics.

The 15-3 Cardinals entered the title game at Springfield Central High School’s Berte Field as the No. 1 seed against No. 2 Amherst, which gave Pope its last loss back in April. Pope Francis previously beat Wahconah 16-6 in the semi-final round.

For the Cardinals, Evan Bilias had three goals and an assist, Thayer chipped in with a goal and assist and Matt Walsh tallied a goal. Braeden Gurney made ten saves in net.

The 15 wins was the most ever in school history as Pope Francis, coached by Bob McGoldrick in his fifth season, enters the Division 3 state tournament with eight straight wins.

The No. 20 seeded Cardinals play away against No. 13 Foxborough H.S., with a record of 12-6, in the  preliminary round on May 29 at 6:15 pm.