Lacrosse starts off strong, confident

The boys lacrosse team started their season strong with a 6-5 win at Sheldon on Monday, March 11.

Sheldon (6A) is traditionally a tough opponent, and that proved out in Monday's matchup. The Fighting Irish jumped out to a three-goal lead in the first quarter. At the half the Outlaws were down 3-1, with a lone goal from Scott Nelson.

Sisters tightened their defense in the second half and limited Sheldon's good looks at the box. The Outlaws took advantage of their offensive opportunities and tied the game up 3-3 with goals from Drew Corrigan and Trevor Barry. Scott Nelson followed with the go-ahead goal and the Outlaws were up 4-3.

Sheldon tied it back up at 4-4 in the fourth quarter but Gabe Reitmann answered back and put Sisters back on top 5-4. The Fighting Irish were true to their name and came right back to tie it up for the third time at 5-5.

With three minutes to go in the game Nelson put the ball in the cage for his third and final goal. The final minute was a flurry of activity as Sheldon scrambled for the ball and got off two shots, but Spencer Smith sealed the win by saving both.

Coach Bill Rexford said, "What impressed me about this game was the even-keeled intensity the boys displayed throughout the contest. We made plenty of mistakes, which is to be expected from a young team, but what I did not expect to see was the mature response. To be down three against a bigger, stronger, faster and more skilled team and to come back for a win is to be commended.

"We won the game in Outlaws style, which means we play together and try to win the challenges as they come to us one at a time," added Rexford. "Our seniors showed great leadership."

This year's squad looks to be strong and solid. The attack will be anchored by Captain Drew Corrigan. Scott Nelson moved down to attack from his midfield position last year, and Rexford noted that senior Mitch Keranen is going to be tough to stop. Zach Valoppi will split time with Keranen. Rexford told The Nugget that the attack has the makings of a very tight unit.

The midfield is filled with role players. Isaiah Glatz and Gabe Reitmann are the Outlaws' returning seniors and will anchor the first line. Jens Stadeli and Trevor Barry are aged veterans as they return for their third year on the varsity squad as juniors.

Defensively, the Outlaws are athletic, smart, and tough. Spencer Smith will play as goalie, and leading the defense will be Captain Colton Cooper. Porter Ford, Jacob Biber, and Casey Lane will all split time playing close defense. Kyle Van Krieken and Shane Cormalis will anchor the defensive middle line and, according to Rexford, will fight for every ball.

Newcomers are sophomores Layne Gladen, Chris Burdick, Logan Calmetts and Joe Jones.