They are hoping to defend their sectional title, but first they will have to go through their division rivals.

The fifth-seeded Skaneateles boys soccer team goes up against No. 2 Marcellus at West Genesee High School tonight in the Section III Class B finals.

The Lakers shut out Adirondack Central, 3-0 in the first round then went on to win a close 2-1 battle against the fourth seeded Mount Markham in the quarterfinals before earning another shut out victory, 2-0 over No. 1 Clinton in the semifinals.

The Mustangs had a first round bye before moving to a 4-0 shut out over No. 7 Lowville, then they took on the No. 6 seed Westhill in the semifinals and won 3-1.

Skaneateles and Marcellus are not strangers to competing with each other for the top spot, as they have been competing all season for the No. 1 position in the OHSL Liberty League.

The last time the two faced was Oct. 1 and the Lakers wound up on top of a 3-1 decision where the Mustangs were held scoreless until the second half.

The strength in Skaneateles comes from the fact that it has returned 10 out of 11 members of its sectional championship team from last season.

With that experience and depth anchoring it, there is a roster full of capable scorers and a strong defense to support it.

With the ultimate goal being more than just the title they are fighting for today, the Lakers have their eyes set on the state title, something the team has never had in the history of the soccer program in Skaneateles.