Top-Ranked Summit Edges No. 5 Seton Hall Prep in OT Thriller

Hilltoppers remain undefeated with thrilling 6-5 win over Pirates

Apr. 8, 2026 at 7:53am

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An abstract expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors, with rapid brushstrokes capturing the dynamic motion and energy of a boys lacrosse match, the players' forms dissolving into colorful, unrecognizable shapes.The thrilling overtime finish between two of New Jersey's top boys lacrosse teams showcases the raw intensity and passion of the sport.Summit Today

In a matchup of two top-5 boys lacrosse teams in New Jersey, No. 2 Summit edged No. 5 Seton Hall Prep 6-5 in overtime. The Hilltoppers led 5-3 late, but the Pirates scored twice in the final minutes to force OT. In the extra period, Summit's Quinn Hynes netted the game-winner with just 9 seconds left to keep the Hilltoppers undefeated on the season.

Why it matters

This early-season clash between two of the state's top lacrosse programs lived up to the hype, with the Hilltoppers and Pirates battling down to the wire. The win keeps Summit atop the rankings, while Seton Hall Prep will look to bounce back from its first loss of the year.

The details

Summit opened up a 4-3 halftime lead behind goals from James Grainger and a hat trick from Jack Freeman. Quinlan Oakes, Jack Merklinger, and Owen Dunleavy scored for Seton Hall Prep in the first half. Cole Sabol extended the Hilltoppers' lead to 5-3 in the third quarter, but Dunleavy and Drew Merklinger scored late to force overtime. In the extra period, Luke Fowler found Quinn Hynes for the game-winning goal with just 9 seconds left.

  • The game was played on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
  • Summit led 4-3 at halftime.
  • Cole Sabol scored in the third quarter to make it 5-3 Summit.
  • Owen Dunleavy and Drew Merklinger scored late in the fourth quarter to tie the game 5-5 and force overtime.
  • Quinn Hynes scored the game-winning goal for Summit with just 9 seconds left in overtime.

The players

Summit

The No. 2 ranked boys lacrosse team in New Jersey.

Seton Hall Prep

The No. 5 ranked boys lacrosse team in New Jersey.

James Grainger

A player for Summit who scored a goal in the game.

Jack Freeman

A player for Summit who scored three goals in the game.

Quinn Hynes

A senior midfielder for Summit who scored the game-winning goal in overtime.

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What they’re saying

“We knew it was going to be a battle against a great Seton Hall Prep team. Our guys showed a lot of heart to come back and win it in overtime.”

— Mike Walsh, Summit Head Coach

What’s next

Summit will look to stay undefeated when they take on No. 18 Rumson-Fair Haven on Friday, April 10. Seton Hall Prep will try to bounce back against No. 19 CBA on the same day.

The takeaway

This thrilling overtime victory showcases the depth and resilience of the Summit boys lacrosse team, who remain one of the top contenders in New Jersey despite being pushed to the brink by a talented Seton Hall Prep squad. The Hilltoppers' ability to win close games against fellow elite programs will serve them well as they chase a state championship.