Lacrosse team notches two wins

Dominic Nieri won the opening faceoff, took the ball down the field and literally danced around two players before he pinned the ball into the corner of the net for Sisters' first goal of the game against Mt. View on Tuesday, April 8. Sisters added five more goals to notch the 6-3 victory.

The Outlaws defense had a solid performance, and Mt. View struggled to get quality shots at the goal. When Mt. View did get off a decent shot, Thad Anderson was like a wall in the goal.

Anderson has been outstanding in the goal for the Outlaws all year but credits his success to his teammates.

"The key for me being able to stop goals is the defense, including the midfielders," said Anderson. "The defense has to keep the attack back and make sure they can't hit me with short range shots, and the midfielders have to play hard face-to-face defense. I couldn't do what I do without them. They should get the credit for our success in the goal."

Coach Bill Rexford told The Nugget his defense is talking and communicating more which made it difficult on Mt. View but noted there is room for improvement.

"We do need to get better on groundballs, as our inability to gain possession extended a few offensive series for them, but it did allow us to come together on defense and rise to the challenge," said Rexford. Nate Emberton scored a couple of gutsy goals for Sisters, Nieri tossed in three of his own, and Carroll Gryder wrapped it up with the sixth and final goal of the contest.

Midfielder Shawn Maurer was extremely happy to return to the team after missing two games due to a concussion.

"It was very frustrating having to just sit on the bench and watch," said Maurer. "I was glad to be back and help out the team today, and the win was a great start on our way to what will hopefully end in league championship."

Three days later the weather couldn't have been more perfect for the Outlaws lacrosse players. The sun was out for Sisters' nicest day so far this year, and the Outlaws notched a 12-4 victory over Hermiston.

Sisters got off to a slow start and found themselves down 2-0 at the close of the first quarter. The Outlaws had trouble clearing the ball and seemed to be dealing with nerves in the home game opener.

"After we settled down we found many alleys to cage," said Rexford, "and the remainder of the game belonged to us. It was tempting to get into a running match with them, but we were patient on offense and defense and took advantage of opportunities when they presented themselves. We just need to polish up what we are trying to do and stay focused on how to make each other better."

Emberton scored five goals in the game. Aston Sims scored four, and Nieri, Gryder and Shawn each chipped in one.

Rexford praised the play of several players.

Rexford said: "Emery (Meyer) shredded the Hermiston attackman, and Chad (Kernutt) and Slater (Smith) played their usual steady and persistent game. John (Connolly), Jordan (Kolb), Nolan (Tichner) and Nic Reuter are all contributing. It may not always show up on the scoreboard, but they are doing the little things right that allow the team to succeed."