Knights Season Comes to an End with 23-9 Loss to Harford in 2026 NJCAA Men's Lacrosse Championship Quarterfinal

Despite a strong offensive effort and multiple standout individual performances, CCBC Essex (7–6) fell 23–9 to the Harford Community College Fighting Owls on Saturday in the 2026 NJCAA Men's Lacrosse Championship Quarterfinal that featured flashes of promise but ultimately belonged to the visitors from start to finish.

Harford Community College opened the game quickly and never relinquished control, but CCBC Essex showed offensive life throughout the contest, generating 24 shots and finishing with nine goals from multiple contributors.

Essex's attack was led by a balanced scoring effort, highlighted by hat tricks from Peyton Stevens (Fr., Baltimore, MD) (3G, 1A) and Garrett Luber (Soph., Westminster, MD) (3G, 1A). Stevens was especially efficient, putting 4 of his 6 shots on goal, while Luber matched that scoring output with consistent finishing opportunities inside.

Midfielder Jacob Bieschke (Soph., Baltimore, MD) (2G, 2A) delivered one of the most complete performances of the afternoon, contributing across the stat sheet with four total points, while also adding two ground balls. Max Johnson (Soph., Westminster, MD) (1G) and Luke Wojtech (Fr., Crofton, MD) (2A) helped fuel additional offensive movement, and Joshua Cruikshank (Soph., Baltimore, MD) (1A) added a setup to round out Essex's scoring contributors.

Between the pipes, goalkeeper Colin Parker (Soph., Martinsburg, WV) faced heavy pressure, finishing with 13 saves against 32 shots on goal in 45 minutes of action. Riley Kilroy (Fr., Hampstead, MD) added 8 saves in relief over the final quarter.

Statistically, Essex generated strong volume with 45 ground balls and won 17 faceoff opportunities, but struggled to slow Harford's transition game, which proved decisive in building an early and sustained lead.

Even in defeat, the Knights saw positives in offensive distribution and ball movement, with eight different players recording at least one point. The team also showed resilience late, continuing to generate shots and possessions against one of the region's top offenses.

Harford's depth and pace ultimately proved too much, but CCBC Essex will look to build on its offensive production and individual performances as it moves deeper into conference play.