It was the last game of the season and the boys lacrosse team didn’t disappoint, as the Highlanders earned a 9-3 victory over Plum on Thursday.

Although the team was out of playoff contention, it was the Senior Rec game and the team played well. Senior Tony Mendez scored a hat trick in the triumphant victory.

“We played with a lot of heart,” Mendez said. “It was the last game of the season and there was definitely a lot of emotion.”

Mendez went into the game knowing he wanted to dominate. When he scored the hat trick, he knew exactly how he wanted to celebrate.

“I was able to give the ball to my dad, and it was a really special moment,” Mendez said.

Along with Mendez’s hat trick, there were two goals apiece for senior Sammy Barbano and sophomores Jason Kavulic and Michael Zemaitis. Senior goalie Kyle Grimm was awarded player of the game in his last game as a Baldwin Highlander.

Looking forward, the team faces a time of transition. The team had nine seniors this year and currently would only have one senior for next season.

“It will be a transition year, but in two years I think they’ll be a good team,” Mendez said.

Mendez, however, has faith in the sophomore class of players.

“I think they have a really strong sophomore class and they’ll be led by great guys and they have a bright future,” Mendez said.