Boys lacrosse tallies big win over Sheldon

The Outlaws suffered a 16-4 loss to Bend under the lights at Reed Stadium on Tuesday, April 29, but bounced back with an impressive 17-5 victory at home against Sheldon three days later. Sheldon has only lost two games this season and was ranked at No. 19 compared to the Outlaws, who were ranked at No. 24.

In Friday's action against Sheldon, the Outlaws dominated the entire contest in every aspect of the game. Sisters' defense played very physical and never let Sheldon get into any settled offense.

"It was nice to see the boys play loose and fast after a tough Bend game," said Coach Bill Rexford.

Zach Valoppi and Scott Nelson each scored five goals and dished out three assists to lead the Outlaws' scoring effort. Jens Stadeli also had a great offensive game with three goals and one assist.

"It was a great team effort and a fun game from top to bottom," said Rexford. "We know we can play with anybody, but we need to minimize our mistakes if we want to break into the top 10. In effort and desire, we're leading the state."

Three days earlier Sisters faced the Bend Lava Bears in their toughest competition of the season. The Outlaws were outclassed in every category except faceoffs.

Rexford noted two players: Jens Stadeli and Tyler Head, who stepped up and rose to the occasion.

"Bend was good," said Rexford. "They just brought it and they earned every goal they got. They are going to do some damage in the state playoffs. This was a tough one but we will get back at it and see if we can get better."

Last weekend, Friday, April 25 to Sunday, April 27, the whole boys' lacrosse program (third grade through high school), took a road trip. Players and coaches traveled to Hermiston for a varsity game. Saturday and Sunday the younger players through JV competed in the Three Rivers Tournament in Richland, Washington.

The Outlaws defeated Hermiston in the league match-up with a final score of 9-1. Rexford told The Nugget it was a very choppy game and difficult to get into any sort of rhythm.

Sisters racked up 15 minutes of penalties, a record for them this season. Although the Outlaws were not at the top of their game, they recorded the win to push their league record to 4-0.

Rexford said it was a great weekend together with the entire program.

"It was fun to just go play," said Rexford. "We traveled together, camped together, met new people, and made lots of good memories. We went to the Maryhill Museum and Stonehenge and just had a great time."

Clay Warburton, the seventh- and eighth-grade coach, said, "One of the highlights of the weekend was seeing our high school boys mentor and take care of the youth lacrosse players of Sisters. They not only connected with them through the sport, but as people.

"My program got to look at some of the best lacrosse teams in Washington," added Warburton. "We learned a variety of lessons about ourselves, and how we connect to the sport."