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McLean’s boys lacrosse team overcame a sluggish start and pulled away in the fourth quarter for a 9-7 victory over Trinity Christian School.

The Highlanders entered the out-of-district matchup with momentum after defeating Herndon and Langley during the previous 10 days. Senior attackman Galder Maull said film study and practice had prepared the team to take early control, but McLean struggled to convert its opportunities.

Senior defenseman Jake Bell scored McLean’s only goal of the opening quarter before Trinity answered to make it 1-1.

Both offenses continued to sputter in the second quarter. Maull scored for McLean three minutes into the period, but Trinity again responded, sending the teams into halftime tied.

“We felt we had some chances that we weren’t able to convert in the first half,” senior attackman Christian McNeil said. “But we liked the chances we were creating and knew we would score eventually.”

Trinity moved ahead with a goal two minutes into the second half, putting McLean under pressure. McNeil then sparked the Highlanders with three goals, helping his team carry a 6-5 advantage into the fourth quarter.

After Trinity tied the game early in the final period, sophomore attackman Caleb Green struck twice in succession. His goals gave McLean an 8-6 lead with eight minutes remaining.

The defenses held firm for the next six minutes before McNeil scored his fourth goal of the game with fewer than three minutes left. Trinity added a late goal, but McLean closed out the 9-7 win.

“Although we missed some big chances, we were happy to come out with the win,” McNeil said.

The victory improved McLean’s record to 6-4. The Highlanders were set to face Marshall on April 28 as they looked to maintain their strong play against district opponents and build momentum for the postseason.

“It’s a long and tough road ahead,” Maull said, “but we have a strong group of players and we know we can do great things. We’re excited to push in the postseason.”