MI Lose To Vashon in OT!

Wow, what an upset!  Vashon played the game of their lives last night at home to come out on top in a thrilling nail-biter that sent the game into OT.  The final score Vashon 10, Mercer Island 9!

The bigger story was Vashon's goalie. Their starting goalie was unable to play so Alex Garabedian, who usually plays attack, moved into the cage. with only one day to prepare for the Mahony brothers.  What a way to step up!  Also changing positions was Michael Serko who moved to attack scoring 6 of the 10 goals, one of which was the game tying goal and also the game  winner on OT. "We had great chemistry with Michael on attack", said Rosenberry.

The game started off slow with a low scoring first quarter, things then kicked off in the second as Vashon pulled ahead to a 3-1 lead including a score by defensemen Dexter Wilks on a full court clear.  According to Coach Rosenberry, this was a pretty clean game, with each team earning 6 penalties.  One thing of note, MI has been stifled on Man-Up this year, and Coach Rosenberry noted that here as well.  Vashon was able to capitalize on some of their EMO which helped the cause.  For the most part, the game was played with as settled offense on both sides, with change of possession occuring frequently.

In the second half,  MI came back with Kevin and Greg Mahony scoring 8 of the 9 goals for MI.  Not even the power of the Mahony brothers could stop Vashon though, and with 16 seconds left in regulation Serko scored the game tying goal.  OT continued to be a battle, but Vashon came out on top with the 10-9 victory and Serko scored the game winner.  McMurdo, Kimbrough and Craighead also contributed to the win with goals each; Craighead had at least three assists with great ball movement.  Vashon's keeper Waterbury was sick and made a decision for Garabedian to step into goal.  Coach Rosenberry felt the team rallied around their new goalie who made 13 of 22 saves in his first ever high school game.

Vashon has risen above MI in the standings, holding 7th down and MI 8th.  I don't think anyone would have guessed prior to the start of the season.  Can MI find their groove?  Vashon seems to have found theirs.

When asked about any of his next games, including the Prep game on Monday, Coach Rosenberry said, "we will take them as they come; we have to more consistent.  We cannot let up even for a quarter in Division I."  As the new kids on the block in the Sound conference of Division I, Vashon continues to grow their Lacrosse program.  A huge win like this will help lead them forward for the next weeks Sound battle.