COLUMBIA — Jaiden Kocak's palms have never been sweatier. But with the state championship on the line, the junior attacker for Dorman lacrosse held onto his stick like his season depended on it.

With just nine seconds remaining in overtime, Kocak caught the ball, spun a full 360, and fired it into the net. The crowd erupted. The celebration began. And for the first time in school history, the Dorman Cavaliers were state champions.

This wasn't just any goal. It was the goal that erased last season's heartbreak. After falling to Wando in the 2025 title game, the Cavaliers entered this year's Class 5A-D1 championship with something to prove. And prove it they did, edging the Warriors 9-8 in a thrilling overtime battle on May 9 at Irmo High School.

Kocak has a knack for the dramatic. Just days earlier, on May 5, he delivered the game-winner in triple overtime during the Upper State finals to punch Dorman's ticket to the championship. But this one was different. This one brought home the hardware.

The Cavaliers' victory is a testament to resilience, teamwork, and the kind of clutch performance that defines championship lacrosse. For a program that had never reached the mountaintop, the wait was worth it. And for Kocak, the sweaty palms and the 360-degree spin will be remembered as the moment Dorman lacrosse made history.

Whether you're a player dreaming of your own championship moment or a fan celebrating a hard-fought victory, this is the kind of game that reminds us why we love the sport. From the opening faceoff to the final buzzer, the Cavaliers showed that belief, preparation, and a little bit of magic can turn a season into a legacy.