Prep lacrosse: Barron Collier, Naples, Gulf Coast looking for strong postseason runs

The Barron Collier High School lacrosse powerhouse has almost always blocked any other Collier County programs' attempts at a run in the postseason. 

The last time another Collier County team besides Barron Collier advanced in the playoffs was in 2011 when the Gulf Coast girls team reached the regional final after the Cougars were knocked out early.

But this year is a different story.

With the Barron Collier girls team out of the playoffs, a deep run for another Collier team is ripe for the taking. Gulf Coast and Naples will try to take advantage of the absence when they play in the regional quarterfinal on Thursday at 7 p.m.

Naples — which dethroned Barron Collier twice this season, knocking the Cougars out in the district championship — is looking to capitalize on an already historic season.

The Eagles' defense can be largely credited for the team's success. Opponents have only scored 73 goals this season, ranking Naples as one of the state's top defensive teams.

Last season:Gulf Coast girls knocked out by Barron Collier in first-round play-in game

"We have a really defensive group this season," Naples coach Frank Adiutori said. "But (overall) I don't have just a few stars. I have 18 or 19 girls that can all play. One person comes out and the next one goes in and we won't lose anything."

Naples, which is 19-1 this season after finishing a perfect district campaign and taking its only loss to Stoneman Douglas, beat Gulf Coast twice this season by a combined score of 24-7.

Gulf Coast coach Lynn Garrison declined to comment for this story.

The Gulf Coast boys team hasn't been able to advance past Barron Collier in the postseason since 2010. That rivalry is still alive and well as the Sharks (18-3) look to knock off a less-dominant Barron Collier for the first time.

Barron Collier and Gulf Coast will face off in Friday's regional quarterfinal at 7 p.m. at Gulf Coast.

"We're always on top, so the expectation is that we stay on top," Barron Collier coach John Sivillo said. 

The quarterfinal will be a rematch of the Region 3 quarterfinal that the lacrosse community has seen for the last eight years. Last season, the Cougars went on an offensive fury in the second half to propel themselves past the Sharks, 14-6. 

Last season:Barron Collier boys blow out Gulf Coast in second half of first-round game

Barron Collier claimed the only meeting so far this season back in March with a 10-9 decision, but lost to Naples by one goal this season.

"We're only focused on Gulf Coast," Sivillo said. "Brett Queener has been coaching that team up pretty hard. They're all great players and they're going to come out and play their hats off. It's going to be a challenge." 

Prep lacrosse

Girls

Regional quarterfinals

Thursday

Naples at Gulf Coast, 7 p.m.

Regional semifinals

Monday, April 30

Regional finals

Thursday, May 3

Boys

Regional quarterfinals

Friday

Barron Collier at Gulf Coast, 7 p.m.

Regional semifinals

Tuesday, May 1

Regional finals

Friday, May 4