Week Six:

Week in Review:

The two remaining undefeated teams remained undefeated for one big reason- neither of them played.  Bainbridge and Port Angeles both had the week off.  Overlake also had the week off.  The standings seem a bit odd as most teams have played 6-7 games already while Bainbridge and Port Angeles have only played 3 and 4 within their divisions respectively.  But there was still plenty of excitement!!!

The hottest team in either division right now has to be the Lakeside Lions.  After an opening game loss to Maple Valley, the Lions have yet to lose again.  They chalked up two more big victories this week including a 12-6 revenge over Maple Valley.  Ian Redman just might be the most well rounded attackman in the league as he currently sits in second place amongst the leading scorers.  Jon Bodanski has also raised a few coaches' eyebrows with his impressive play at long stick midfield.  Hopefully for the Lions, their momentum won't be killed by spring break as Lakeside has this next week off.

Franklin and the Panther Lacrosse Club stayed neck and neck as both teams won two a piece this week.  However, the Panthers have already defeated Franklin once this year.

Mercer Island looks strong as well heading into their spring break as they netted 35 goals in 2 more wins.

Eastside finally got off the snide and recorded their first victory of the year and followed it up with a thrilling double OT win over Maple Valley.  The Vandals have fallen on hard times as of late.  After opening the season 3-0, Maple Valley has now dropped 3 straight.  Although two of the last three losses have been gut wrenching OT losses to Bainbridge and Eastside.

"Game of the Week" recap:

Maple Valley A @ Eastside

One of the best games of the year so far.  This game had a little of everything: big hits, good goalie play, some well executed fast breaks and plenty of drama.  A real battle! Overall it was a good clean, well officiated, exciting lacrosse game.   The rain made an appearance, but the game was played on turf and thus the weather wasn't a big factor.

It was certainly a tale of two halves as Eastside jumped to a 5-0 lead on the back of freshman Jack Andrews.  Goalie Justin Patterson and defenseman John Trenkamp helped keep the explosive Brian Johnson down, but only for a half.

Maple Valley picked it up in the 3^rd quarter a bit and Johnson finally started to find the back of the net.  Things got a little chippy and both sides took some needless penalties.   The 4^th quarter started 7-3 Eastside and 2 minutes in, Matt Sinkula scored to extend to 8-3, but Maple Valley wouldn't go away.  They battled back scoring 3 in a 2 minute spurt.  With under a minute to go Eastside was still up 8-6.  No problem, Brian Johnson to the rescue.  A goal at 45 seconds left, a quick face-off win and a goal with 22 seconds left and things were all tied up.  Eastside may have been lucky to hold on for OT.

In OT, both teams traded chances.  Eastside even went a man-down, but killed it off and forced a second OT.  With under a minute in the second OT, Johnson was at it again, but Justin Patterson came up with a huge save.  However his outlet overshot the breaking middie and rolled across midfield.  There was a brief scrum, but the ball popped free and Conor Harty scooped it in stride and was off.  He stuck it with 23 seconds left and the celebration was on!!!

Final Score Eastside 9 Maple Valley 8:  Great ball game!

Check out the season results page for complete recaps of all action!

Top Performers of the Week:

• Robert Valdez, Franklin: Valdez had a huge week going 4G, 4A and 3G, 1A in leading Franklin to two victories.  In doing so, Robert has taken over the scoring lead in the "B" Division as he now sits with 33 points on 21 goals and 12 assists.

• Matt Miller, Lakeside: The senior defender had a big week in helping the Lions extend their winning streak to 7 games.  In a huge rematch with Maple Valley, Miller did a little of everything to help avenge their only loss of the season.  Not only did he help hold Brian Johnson to 3 goals (Johnson scored 5 in the first match-up), but he scored 2 goals himself and dished out an assist for good measure!

• Conor Harty, Eastside: The senior attackman had a breakthrough week in leading his club to their first two victories of the year.  His 8 points on the week included 3G, 1A performances against Nathan Hale and Maple Valley.  Harty capped his performance with his biggest goal to date, an overtime finish in a thriller against Maple Valley. 

Check out league leaders page for list of all scorers!!  

Preview of Upcoming Week:

A relatively light week as many clubs have the week off for spring break. However...Keep an Eye On....

• Port Angeles: Can they get back to their winning ways after a long lay off?

• Maple Valley A @ Bainbridge:  should be intense as the Vandals took the Spartans to OT less than 2 weeks ago!!!  

Check out league standings page for current standing in both divisions!!!