Trailing by four goals late in the game, it looked as if the Skaneateles boys lacrosse season was on the verge of ending.

But Eric Richards and Kelly Donigan would have something to say about that.

The senior captain Richards scored five goals while the sophomore Donigan capped a 5-0 second-half run for Skaneateles by scoring the game-winning goal with two minutes remaining as the Lakers topped Section X's Salmon River 15-14 in the first round of the NYSPHSAA tournament Saturday in Central Square.

The Lakers have now earned the chance to take on Corning East (17-2) of Section IV in the quarterfinals, 8 p.m. Tuesday at Vestal High School.

Junior Patrick Emmer assisted on Donigan's winner. The Lakers' Oliver Moore had a hat trick and also assisted on a goal. Captain Ian Newland and Thomas Schoener each scored one goal, while Schoener led the Lakers with two assists. Keith Buehler finished with four goals and had an assist while Kyle Christine had one helper as well.

Matt Wood also made a difference in the game, as he was able to control a good part of the faceoffs against the Shamrocks. During the 5-0 run, Salmon River was never able to seize possession.

“He won some key faceoffs for us,” Doctor said of Wood. “He also made an impact for us defensively.”

The Lakers also had a large advantage in shots (46-26).

“Statistically, we out-shot them,” Doctor said. “We were getting the shots, but their goalie was also making saves.”

Salmon River's goalie made 18 saves while the Lakers captain and goalie Josh Kimm had four saves.

“Josh made key saves in the fourth quarter,” Doctor said. “His leadership is demonstrated when he's in the net. He's directing the team and communicating so well with the other captains. The rest of the team looks up to them all.”

Down 9-4 at halftime the Lakers needed to make adjustments. In the first half some of their key players spent time in the penalty box. They also wanted to start to control the faceoffs.

“I went in and told them to not commit so many penalties,” Doctor said. “We also made the adjustments to put some players where we needed them and we focused on the shots we were taking. We took some shots that just off target. When you have high schoolers shooting at a not-so-big net, it will go in sometimes and won't go in sometimes either.”

The adjustments seemed to work, as Skaneateles completed the rally and dominated play throughout the second half.

“It wasn't easy,” Doctor said. “But it seemed that when we were on the offense, we were better matched up with them defensively.”

Skaneateles now turns their attention to the Corning East, but will only have two days to do so. They take today off then practice Monday in preparation for the quarterfinal match-up.

“We'll go over film and a scouting report,” Doctor said. “With our talent we can go to a game-to-game basis in such a short break and do well, but mentally it is wearing. We just need to do what we can. It's tough on (the players), but they need to balance themselves and with such a close-knit group, just relax.”

Lakers 15

Shamrocks 14