A Week of Firsts

A week of firsts???  Why, you ask?  Well, I’ll tell you.  Four programs earned their first league victory ever!  And several other teams staked claims to first place in their respective divisions.  Snow pushed some games to this week, but every team has now played at least one game.  Overlake and Issaquah played three games each just this week!  The 2002 season is still young, but the race is on.

Highlights 

DIVISION 1

·        Bainbridge has taken control of Division 1.  After dismantling Overlake last week, the Spartans showed Bellevue last year’s close call may have been a fluke in handing the Wolverines a 10 point defeat.  Adam Smith is up to his old tricks as the senior attackman now has 21 points in 3 games.  He is back on pace to clear 100 points again this year.

·        Maple Valley…a.k.a. the Johnson’s may not quite be rebuilding after all.  Brian, Ryan and Nick Johnson are all among the top 10 in scoring and have the Vandals off to a hot start. Though they may have yet to be truly tested, they did handle a much improved Bellevue squad.  By early season indications, looks like Maple Valley will be in the mix for the playoffs.

·        After a dismal offensive performance to start the season, Lakeside is back on track with two big wins this week

DIVISION 2

·        Congratulations to the Roosevelt Roughriders on their first league victory!!!  After a winless season in their debut a year ago, the Roughriders seem much improved as they defeated Maple Valley B 5-3.

·        There is a 3-way tie for first place as Eastside, Franklin and Bainbridge B sit atop the division at 2-0.

DIVISION 3

·        Mt. Ranier became the first new program to earn its first win with a 7-6 division over Bainbridge C.  Later that week, Snohomish and Issaquah also achieved the same feat.  The growth of lacrosse is extremely apparent!

·        Issaquah followed up its first division victory with another, an 8-5 victory over Kitsap.  Despite starting 5-6 freshman, Issaquah sits atop the division at 2-0.

Top Performers

The league is certainly attack strong, but this here is one person who thinks Lane may have been overlooked for all league consideration a year ago.  Playing in the shadow of All-American, Ian Redman, Lane may not have garnished much attention, but he certainly developed his game.  Now he may be the offensive key if the Lions are to make a run this season.  When he is on, Lakeside might be tough to stop, just as they were this week.  Lane had back-to-back 5 goal performance, sparking victories over Nathan Hale and Port Angeles. 

Only a sophomore, Andrews has Eastside out to a quick start.  His 6 goal effort Friday night pushed the Ravens to an 11-7 victory over Vashon.  Andrews now sits with 9g, 1a in 2 games, which has him tied for 1^st in goals and tied for 2^nd in points and points per game within all of Division 2.  Andrews also ranks 2^nd in groundballs.

Harty has taken charge on offense with a very young and inexperienced team.  His 2g, 2a performance helped Issaquah earn its first ever Division 3 victory.  He followed that up with a 4g, 1a day at Kitsap, scoring all of Issaquah’s second half goals in helping preserve an 8-5 victory.  John’s efforts currently have him tied for 1^st in goals, 2^nd in pts per game and tied for 2^nd in assists in all of Division 3.

Games to Watch

The last two Division 2 champs square off for the first time as Division 1 foes.  Good early season match-up as both these teams should push for the final playoff spot!

The Wolverines have a chance at a better showing as they lost to the Vandals in week one.  If Bellevue has any plans of fighting for the playoffs, they can ill afford to lose the season series 0-2!

Up to Date Stats:

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