OPENING STATEMENT: Hun School boys’ lacrosse player Owen Black prepares to fire the ball up the field in a 2015 game. Last week, senior star and Villanova-bound Black scored three goals to help 10th-ranked Hun defeat No. 14 Georgetown Prep 14-8 in its season opener. The Raiders are next in action when they host Blair Academy on April 2. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

Having enjoyed a season for the ages last spring when it went 19-1 and won its first state Prep A title since 1998, the Hun School boys’ lacrosse team picked up where it left off as it hosted Georgetown Prep (Md.) last week in its 2016 opener.

Hun, ranked 10th in the Preseason Under Armour/Inside Lacrosse Power Ranking, jumped out to a 6-1 halftime lead over the No. 17 Hoyas. Holding off a second-half rally by the visitors, the Raiders prevailed 14-8 in the March 22 contest.

Post-graduate Luke Prybylski led the way for Hun, scoring four goals while sophomore transfer Jacob Keller tallied two goals. Senior star midfielder and Villanova-bound Owen Black had a hat trick with classmate Griffin Moroney chipping in two goals.

Senior star and Princeton-bound Jon Levine was a rock as usual in goal, making 12 saves to spearhead the defensive effort.

In reflecting on the win, Hun head coach M.V. Whitlow saw it as exemplifying the program’s solid foundation.

“This is our fourth year here now and the culture has come together,” said Whitlow.

“These are great young men from great families and they are exceptional students who are serious about their craft.”

As a result of that culture, the Raiders have seamlessly blended in their annual infusion of talent.

“The new guys that we added are just the right kind of guys,” added Whitlow, whose squad will look to keep on the winning track when it hosts the Blair Academy on April 2.

“They are character guys and team-first guys who have been embraced by the returners. And some of the younger guys have grown up. Jake Keller is a sophomore who was one of the best players on the field today.”