Boys lacrosse wins close opener

The boys lacrosse team held on to earn a 10-9 victory over Nadzitsaga from Burns, in a game that was tight and filled with excitement to the very end. The game was held at Reed Stadium on Thursday, March 17.

Samson Magnus scored an unassisted goal just 22 seconds into the game to give the Outlaws a quick lead, thanks to an excellent faceoff by Chase Lawrence, followed by Ethan Morgan and Trey Stadeli, who each added an unassisted goal of their own. Nadzitsaga stayed with them, and at the end of the first period the score was deadlocked 3-3.

Both teams added a goal in the second period, Sisters' goal coming from Morgan, to keep the score tied 4-4 at the half.

In the third, Magnus scored an unassisted goal, and Morgan booted in two unassisted shots. At the close of the period teams were still even at 7-7.

Morgan lifted the team with three goals in the final quarter, the last in the final 24 seconds, to put the Outlaws up by two, 10-8. But Nadzitsaga fought back and scored their final goal with nine seconds left on the clock. Sisters was able to hold the ball in Nadzitsaga's offensive zone and closed out a very exciting, close game.

Sisters had tremendous support from their fans, who were so loud at the close of the contest that players and coaches could not even hear the referees whistle.

On defense, the team was led by an outstanding effort by senior captain David Keeton.

Morgan (sophomore captain) led the scoring onslaught with seven goals, Magnus scored two, and Stadeli added one. Willie Stewart and Chase Lawrence each contributed one assist. Matt Harris had eight groundballs for the Outlaws; followed by Magnus, who had seven.

First-year coach Eric Wentzel said, "The team was tested in this game on both sides of the ball, but I noticed as the game progressed they started to come together as a team with increased confidence. There was standout individual play, but without everyone's effort we would not have won the game.

"The defense was able to hold off Nadzitsaga at the end of the first half when we were two men down due to penalties. As a team, we need to work on contesting groundballs and conditioning, which will come as the season progresses."

The Outlaws will resume play on Monday, March 28, with a game at South Eugene. They will play at home against Marist on Friday, April 1.