Boys lacrosse tallies big win over McNary after tough Idaho trip

The Outlaws made a long trek over to Boise, Idaho, for a trip which has turned out to be an annual event. Idaho proved to be tough territory for the team. They lost all four of their games and came home with several injuries.

The team left Sisters on Thursday, March 14, and stopped for the evening at Crystal Crane Hot Springs. On Friday, they continued on to Boise for their first game against Meridian, who they bested 15-4 last year.

Coach Bill Rexford said that Meridian invited them back again this year and promised to give the Outlaws more of a battle. Meridian was true to their word; they beat the Outlaws 10-6.

Meridian was in control the first two quarters and at the half held a 7-1 lead. The Outlaws' defense was not able to stop their penetration and allowed too many easy shots on goal.

In the second half, the Outlaws turned it around, stepped up their play on both ends of the field and held Meridian to three goals and scored five of their own. Scott Nelson posted three goals and Isaiah Glatz, Drew Corrigan, and Zach Valoppi all chipped in one.

Sisters played three more games while in Idaho, and lost them all.

Of the trip, Rexford said, "The concentrated team time and getting away together helps us build our team culture that not only lasts through the season, but really extends through the year and beyond."

After the rough trip to Boise, Rexford was curious to see how his team would respond in their game against McNary the following week.

"We were a little banged up; our leading scorer, Scott Nelson, was out with a deep thigh bruise and Trevor Barry and Isaiah Glatz were questionable due to injuries, but all the Outlaws showed up to play."

Sisters jumped out to an early lead with a quick goal from Jens Stadeli just 56 seconds into the game. Gabe Reitmann and Drew Corrigan both scored, and after the first quarter the Outlaws were on top 3-1.

The Outlaws controlled the ball the remainder of the half, outshot McNary 28-8 and recorded 23 ground balls compared to McNary's 15. Although Sisters won important battles, they could not pull away and led just 4-1 at the half.

McNary could not handle the Outlaws' persistent pressure and Sisters cracked the game wide open in the third quarter. The Outlaws scored five goals to McNary's one and put the game out of reach, 11-3.

"We have had trouble scoring this season, but we put that behind us tonight for sure," said Rexford. "Once we got a couple of goals up on them the pressure lifted off their shoulders and they played with a relaxed intensity."

Six different players scored goals for the Outlaws. Zach Valoppi finished with two goals and two assists, and Drew Corrigan scored two goals and recorded one assist. Isaiah Glatz, Gabe Reitmann, and Jens Stadeli also scored two goals each. Chris Burdick scored his first varsity goal of the season.

"Most teams have one or two players who do the majority of scoring, but having so many threats really puts the defense at a disadvantage," said Rexford. "As soon as they focus on one guy, here comes someone from the weak side ready to score.

"Eleven different guys took shots tonight and yes, six scored, but those other five, Trevor Barry, Joe Jones, Porter Ford, Kyle Van Krieken and Kaleb Ertmatinger, all deserve credit for not giving the defense any rest," added Rexford.

The Outlaws' defense was relentless and, according to Rexford, played a near-perfect game.

"The three goals McNary scored were well-earned," said the coach. "We gave them nothing. Porter Ford, Colton Cooper, Jacob Biber, Casey Lane and Shane Cormalis played with energy and a focus I had not seen this season. I know these guys are good, and tonight they delivered."

Sisters will take a week off for spring break and then return for a packed week of lacrosse. The Outlaws will play at Thurston on Tuesday, April 2, and two days later will host Hellgate High School of Montana at home in Sisters. On Saturday, April 6, the Outlaws will close out the week with a home game against Sherwood.