Navy lacrosse took a big step forward this season

Navy lacrosse came oh so close to reaching the Final Four for the first time since 2004.

Navy gave fifth-seeded and host Brown all it could handle on Saturday before falling 11-10 in the quarterfinals of the NCAA Tournament.

It was a gutsy, determined effort by the Midshipmen, who did a terrific job of containing the high-scoring Bears and showed tremendous heart by battling back from a four-goal deficit late in the third quarter.

Midfielder Casey Rees and goalie John Connors provided spectacular performances to lead the offense and defense, respectively. Rees equaled a career-high by firing in five goals to spark the comeback while Connors recorded a career-best 21 saves to keep the Mids…