Outlaws lacrosse faces tough competition

The Outlaws lacrosse team faced three tough teams last week, which started with a 14-2 loss to the Thurston Colts in Eugene on Tuesday, April 2. The Outlaws bounced back two days later with a 6-3 win over Hellgate High School, Montana, in a great match-up that was played in Burns. The Outlaws wrapped up their week with an 11-3 loss at home to Sherwood.

In Tuesday's game, the Thurston Colts jumped out early and took a five-goal lead in the first quarter of play. Sisters put forth a solid effort but were never able to mount a comeback and challenge the Colts. Thurston took 52 shots on goal compared to the Outlaws' 15.

"We played entirely too much defense," said Coach Bill Rexford. "We need to learn to slow the ball down on offense to give our defense a break. Time after time, we stopped the Colts, but then we failed to clear the ball, or when we did clear the ball we squandered opportunities.

"We are not going to win any games taking only 15 shots," added Rexford. "To play that much defense and only allow 14 goals is pretty amazing, and even more so considering that by the end of the game we were down four starters due to injury. But, we took our lumps, watched the game film and made a list of things we needed to work on and looked forward to our game against Hellgate."

The game against Hellgate on Thursday got off to a shaky start, and the Outlaws let Hellgate get two easy goals in the first quarter.

Drew Corrigan scored a quick goal early in the second quarter and Sisters entered halftime down 2-1.

The third quarter belonged to the Outlaws, who took nine shots and had 12 groundballs compared to Hellgate's four shots and five groundballs. Scott Nelson scored twice, one a beautiful behind-the-back shot that caught the top right corner. Corrigan chipped in another goal off an assist from Mitch Keranen on a great fast break. Isaiah Glatz got a scrappy goal after Jens Stadeli ricocheted one off the goalie's chest.

"That was the best quarter of lacrosse we played all season," stated Rexford. "We controlled the ball, took the shots we wanted to take, gave the defense a rest so that when they did play they played aggressively and with an energy that did not allow Hellgate to settle into any offensive pattern."

Sisters continued to put forth a smothering defensive effort, held on to the lead and defeated Hellgate 6-3.

Rexford noted Spencer Smith, who made some huge saves in the game, and also Colton Cooper, Porter Ford, and Casey Lane for their terrific performances.

"This is the type of win I thought we would have this year," added Rexford. "We play great defense, win the hustle plays, and figure out how to score some goals. This was a good game for us, for we improved where we needed to, and learned some things about ourselves as well."

Although the Outlaws lost at home to Sherwood in the league opener on Saturday, Rexford told The Nugget he could not have been happier with his team and their effort.

"We showed ourselves that we could go toe-to-toe with the best of them, and we played hard to the end," stated Rexford. "What excited me about this game was that the boys were not intimidated by the bigger, faster, stronger Sherwood team and focused on winning the battle in front of them, and consequently they got better as the game went on."

Spencer Smith proved to be a big-time goalie, tallied 23 saves in the game and cleared the ball with poise under pressure. Rexford noted that Smith had the game of his life and showed that the best players have their best games against the best opponents.

Porter Ford established himself as a force for the Outlaws. Ford kept Sherwood's best player scoreless in the game and was also a threat to clear the ball and score. Zach Valoppi (two goals), Drew Corrigan and Mitch Keranen improved their play with each possession.

"Isaiah (Glatz) modeled how to be in the moment and do whatever it takes to compete," said Rexford. "Down two defensemen because of injury, Isaiah on the sideline had a short stick in one hand and a long stick in another ready to do whatever needs to be done."

The midfielders gave it their all and worked hard the entire game.

"Our midfielders are tireless work-horses," said Rexford. "I don't know how they do it, but they never stop running and are ready to answer the call at every turn."

The Outlaws play at home against Mt. View on Friday, April 12, and the following Tuesday will host Redmond.