The Bears Varsity lacrosse team took its three-game win streak and their 6-5 season record into its home game against the Harrison Hoyas. In another complete team win, the Bears overmatched the Hoyas 15-8 making it four straight victories.
Over the course of this win streak, contributions have been made by many players on the roster. This night was no different. Getting the Bears on the scoreboard early was Senior Attack, Austin Darnell, with a solid dodge and fake move leading to a 1-0 score. Sophomore Face-Off Specialist, Evan Finelli, continued his dynamic play by speeding through the offensive zone after taking the next face off and drilling a low dart into the net for a 2-0 lead. The Hoyas bounced back with two goals to tie the score late in Q1.
After Jake Meyerholt put the Bears back on top, the teams traded goals into the second quarter including a sweet left-hand zip by Sophomore Midfielder, Ian Dexter. Keys to the Bear's recent success include gaining more possessions via face-offs and loose balls as well as reducing team mistakes. Seniors Nick Ganem and Hunter Penman continued their competitive drive to collect ground balls. Penman led the team on the night with seven ground balls with Ganem adding five. Another key during this game included fewer penalties incurred by the team. For the night, the Bears were only penalized three times, including once in the first half which helped ensure key possessions and scoring opportunities. Meyerholt's second goal, on a night when he scored four times, along with Justus Garvin's nice shot assisted by Sophomore Zach Shiffman took the Bears to the halftime lead of 6-5.
Team Co-Captain, Austin Darnell, led the charge to begin the 3rd quarter with two strong offensive plays leading to goals. One of the great highlights of the game came from Co-Captain, Nick Ganem, who streaked up the field after another great defensive play and made an aggressive shot with his long pole past the goalie for a 10-6 Bears lead.
The Hoyas attempted to stay close but aggressive defense, including a key strip and steal by Sophomore Defenseman, Matthew Schnetzka, left the frustrated Hoyas searching for answers. Ensuring this game would belong to the Bears, Sophomore Bryson Hawkins delivered two daggers in a row to essentially ice the game in the fourth quarter. Hawkins second 'rip' put the Bears up 13-6. Dexter's second and a final key goal by Junior middie, McGregor Rowland, left the home crowd pleased again as the Bears put the finishing touches on their fourth straight win in preparation for the final game before spring break on Thursday, March 29th at Northview.
Go Bears!
