Lacrosse squad falls in rough game

The Outlaws lost 11-7 in a hard fought game in very cold weather and pouring rain at Sprague, on Thursday, March 20.

Last year Sisters lost to Sprague by just one goal and the Outlaws were confident that this year they would be competitive and come away with a victory. It was not to be.

"We were up in the fourth quarter, but truly bizarre calls from new refs literally handed the game to Sprague and allowed them to score five goals in the fourth quarter," said Coach Bill Rexford.

The contest did not start well for the Outlaws. Shawn Maurer was clocked in the side of the head by a Sprague player's cross check, which sent him out of the game and eventually to the hospital. Rexford noted that there was no penalty on the play.

Dominic Nieri quickly followed Maurer out with a concussion, and the Outlaws suddenly found themselves down two players from their first line. Not long after that Marcus Gaboni was injured.

It took Sisters a quarter to adjust, and by then Sprague had taken a 4-0 lead. The Outlaws clawed their way back and took a 7-6 lead in the fourth quarter. Ashton Sims was unstoppable and led Sisters with three goals.

"The defense did not give up a goal in even play, and all of Sprague's goals came in unsettled situations," said Rexford. "It happens. We outplayed Sprague, but the scoreboard did not show it. We also demonstrated superior sportsmanship."

Following the Sisters/Sprague game a letter was sent out to all coaches specifically addressing high hits. Referees have been instructed to crack down and call all high hits - anything that could be construed as a hit to the head, neck, throat, either a bodycheck or check.

Personal foul penalty time for such hits will also be escalated.

The Outlaws will face their next two opponents without four of their starters. Sisters was to play at Liberty on Tuesday, April 1 and two days later will travel to Lincoln.