**By Mallory Frankel**

Varsity boys lacrosse defeated the Walter Johnson Wildcats 16-12, advancing to the regional finals.

The Wildcats began the game with a goal, but attacker Ross Koehn quickly tied the game. Attacker Jordan Karr, assisted by attacker Pat Slawta, put the Vikes ahead with a goal.

Minutes later, the Wildcats scored again, but Koehn scored again, this time from Karr.

Attacker Booey Ghani strengthened the lead with an unassisted goal with only three seconds left in the first quarter.

After the Wildcats scored twice, Karr countered with two goals. Then, attacker Trevor Hains tossed the ball to Slawta, who launched a strong shot past the Walter Johnson goalie.

The Vikings entered halftime leading 7-5.

After several great saves from goalie Carson Kline, the Vikes marched down the field and Koehn scored an unassisted goal.

A minute later, attacker Will Deutsch passed to midfielder Alex Hysong, who scored after Walter Johnson’s goalie fumbled the ball, bringing the score to 11-6.

Defender Carson Schneider scored the final goal of the game and gave the Vikings a 16-12 victory.

The boys will play Wootton in the regional finals on May 19. Earlier in the season, the Patriots beat the Vikes by two, but Ghani and Karr did not play due to injury.