The Bears boys lacrosse team went on the road to face Northview, Thursday, March 29th in their final game before spring break riding a four-game win streak. Continuing its dominant play of late, the Bears fought off a pesky Titans team to win 10-5 during this rain filled outing.
Putting the Bears on the board with an early 1-0 lead was Sophomore Attack, Chase DuMond, on a solid rip from a catch and go pass by Ian Dexter. Dexter added a goal of his own along with a sweet shot from fellow Sophomore, Zach Shiffman, midway through the first quarter to keep the team in stride with the determined Titans 3-3. Sensing their opportunity to pounce, a fireball leftie shot from the point by Senior Zach Furr along with "Shifty" Shiffman's second goal provided a cushion midway through the second quarter.
Aiding the offensive effort throughout the game was the team's focus and execution on face-offs and ground balls. Face-off Specialist, Evan Finelli, continued his strong season performance as the team secured twice as many possessions as their opponent on face offs. For the night, the Bears were terrific with ground balls collecting 38 loose balls as Sophomore Defender, Matthew Schnetzka, nabbed five ground balls and Senior wing midfielder, Hunter Penman, led with seven ground balls. After Bryson Hawkins' stellar heads-up play just before the half putting back a rebound shot right into the net, Penman delivered a tough blow to the Titans with a beautiful speed play up the field after collecting a loose ball from face off leading to a sweet fast break goal as the half closed—-a 7-4 halftime lead.
The defense served as a nearly impenetrable wall during the second half forcing the Titans into several poor shots and causing many turnovers. Only one Titan goal was allowed during the second half. Senior defenseman, Will Covington, earned game ball honors with his critical stops including causing one key turnover in the fourth quarter as the home team attempted to get momentum.
Key saves by goalie, Cole Winsness, along with effective clear play by the entire defense ensured quality possessions for the offense. In one of the more entertaining goals of the year, a loose ball in the Bear's offensive end was popped into Cambridge's goal by a Northview player. All points count the same! Zach Furr's second goal of the game during a fourth quarter man up play along with Jake Meyerholt's zip shot put the icing on the cake.
With this win, the Bears moved to 8-5 on the season having won now five straight. Coming back from Spring Break, the Bears will have an important area game against Forsyth Central and a chance to add to its win streak.
