FAIRFIELD – The last time the Somers boys lacrosse team lost was April 8.

The Spartans, the second-seeded team in Class S, had won 20 straight games, scoring in double digits in every game.

But Saturday afternoon, at Fairfield University’s Rafferty Stadium, Somers’ win streak came to a halt in the Class S championship game. The Spartans lost to New Fairfield, the team that beat them last year in the state championship game, 14-4.

Last year, Somers lost 7-0 and lost only one senior from that team. New Fairfield, however, graduated only two last year and brought most of its team back as well.

“We knew they were good; we saw them on film,” Somers coach Ken McCarthy said. “They just dominated the wings on face-off play and possessions were scarce for us. Their defense was super strong. Their offense was patient, they found the cutters. Their skills were excellent.

“It was like nothing we had seen all year.”

Somers opened its season with a loss to Conard (which advanced to the Class L semifinals before losing to Fairfield Ludlowe) 11-5 and that’s the last time the Spartans didn’t score in double figures.

Somers junior Cole Delskey brings the ball downfield against New Fairfield in the Class S championship game Saturday afternoon at Fairfield University’s Rafferty Stadium. New Fairfield won, 14-4. (Photo by Lori Riley)

They blasted through the season and won the NCCC conference tournament, 13-9, rallying to score five goals in the fourth quarter. The Spartans opened with a 19-1 win over Holy Cross in the Class S tournament, then beat Old Saybrook and Sheehan to advance to the final.

Somers trailed 3-1 after the first quarter and cut the lead to 3-2 on a Harry Accorsi goal 1:10 into the second quarter but top-seeded New Fairfield scored four straight and led Somers 8-3 by halftime.

The Spartans never recovered.

“We knew coming in it was going to be a tough game,” said Andrew Cardwell, one of 11 seniors who scored two goals for Somers. “Everything we’ve done over the offseason, during the season, getting mentally and physically stronger … we came in thinking we were going to win but obviously the outcome didn’t happen that we wanted to.

“I wouldn’t change it for anything. I think we played as hard as we could.”

Last year, Somers was shut out by New Fairfield; this year, the Spartans were able to score against a tough New Fairfield team. Junior goalie Evan Poulin made 14 saves Saturday.

“The positive is we played on the very last day, that’s always our goal,” McCarthy said. “If we can win a state championship, great.

“I think (New Fairfield) could win Class M. We have nothing to be ashamed of. I’m proud of my guys. We didn’t get the win but that’s OK. We played a great team and I have some really good players coming back next year.”

McCarthy recalled a 19-0 Somers team that won a state title (the Spartans last won in 2017) but couldn’t remember the Spartans winning 20 straight.

“This is a great team,” he said. “I’m proud of my kids – they work hard, they’re respectful, they treat each other well. I can’t ask for much more.”