Saturday, March 27
It was nice Saturday morning when the team got to Indian Hills. The wind was brisk and the temp was cool. Definitely a nice way to kick off the lacrosse season.Game 1 vs Millard North
12-4 Win
Despite being a morning game, Valley came out strong. The Tigers never let up and easily won. Lax Power had Valley winning by four prior to the start of the game.
Game 2 vs Creighton Prep
13-7 Loss
While Prep defeated Millard North, Valley took an extended lunch break. The players got a little too rested. I was told by one player that the break was just long enough to realize they were tired. Six of the Tigers' seven goals came from D Griess, who made awesome individual efforts despite his fatigue. This game was an eye opener for the team. It provided a learning opportunity for both next week's game against defending champions Millard North and our rematch with the Blue Jays in May.
Lax Power gave Prep a two goal advantage.
JV Game vs Millard North
6-5 Loss
With no reserves and the varsity loss to Prep still in the minds of the JV players, things started rocky. The cold drizzle did not help. The boys played hard and fought for the ball. It was good loss, if there is such a thing.
Sunday, March 28
Game 1 vs River City12-2 Win
Lax Power gave the Tigers a 10 goal spread on this game and the Tigers delivered. This was a great opportunity to work in more bench and JV players. There was a definite improvement in play by the Black Knights over last year despite the scoreboard.
Game 2 vs Burke
12-8 Win
After going down four goals early, it began to look like a repeat of Saturday. A quick time out and regrouping saw the Tigers answer back with four of their own. The game was back and forth after that through the first half. After the break, the Tigers put up four more and held on for the win as predicted by Lax Power.
Losing starting defender J Tornberg to injury for most of the first half did not help matters. The bench was already short two poles upon arrival. JV midfielder C Mundus answered the call and made instant contributions despite never using a long pole before.
JV Game vs Burke
4-3 Win
Despite being winded from his varsity d-pole duties, Mundus jumped to attack - another foreign position. Lead face off man M Goertz injured his knee during the first draw to leave only two subs on the Tigers bench for the first half. The boys came together and executed the fundamentals while controlling the pace of the game.
Goertz jumped to attack for the second half to aid Mundus and JV captain J Crew. Starting attack Q Straw moved to midfield. The effort of the team working as a solid unit led to the win in this back and forth battle.
Lax Power now has Valley in third place overall in the Nebraska League behind perennial powerhouses Creighton Prep and Millard West. West Side Lax has Valley ranked fourth behind West, Prep, and Lincoln.
Valley faces Millard South and Millard West on Saturday at 10:00 and 3:00, respectively. The JV faces West's JV at 5:00.
