Most of the talk in the early boys lacrosse season in the mighty Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association A Conference has been centered on all of the teams' impressive offensive firepower.

Rightly so when you look at all the talent that is layered throughout the league on attack.

But yesterday, No. 2 Calvert Hall came away with a 12-8 win over previously undefeated Boys' Latin with a stifling defensive performance when it was needed most.

Holding a 9-8 lead going into the fourth quarter, the Cardinals shut down the Lakers' potent attack the rest of the way, finally getting an insurance goal with 6:39 left for a two-goal lead.

Junior goalie Greg Dutton needed to make just one save in the fourth quarter as the Cardinals' defense -- led by Chris Lightner, Patrick Rhodey and Stephen Greene -- provided a cohesive front.