The Varsity Boys Lacrosse team has been one of the best teams in the district this season, so let’s take a look at how their season’s been unfolding so far.
In the first game of the season, the Meridian Mustangs Boys Lacrosse team fell 16-5 to the reigning back to back state champs, Madison. This was a disappointment, as keeping the game close or beating that team would’ve projected Meridian to see similar success in the future. Despite this, the team was hopeful that they could bounce back against Alexandria City.
Unfortunately, they were unable to get a win, losing another disappointing 7-4 game against AC. Starting the season 0-2 is not where any team would want to be, but improvement was imminent, and the team won their next two games by a combined score of 34-17, winning 17-11 against Lightridge, and 17-6 against Seton.
This improvement over time was a good sign, despite the rocky start. It’s a universal understanding in the sports world that it’s much better to start slow and finish fast, then slowly taper downward over the course of a season.
After the team’s victory against Lightridge, junior Rex MacAlester voiced praise for his teammates. “As a player, it’s awesome to see the team grow, not only as players but as young men. Without the chemistry between all the guys, we wouldn’t win anything.”
Their next opponent, Brentsville, would lose to Meridian 9-3, allowing goals from Xavier Kuo, Jack Moore, Hayden Kusic, Davey Gaskins, Colin Williams, and Granger David. While the goals were impressive, the better sign of improvement was on the defensive side. Holding a team to just three goals is difficult, and credit should be given to Meridian’s goaltender, Dominic Zacharias-Martin, who saved 11 shots over the course of the game.
The next day, Meridian met Western Albemarle home in the stable. The game was incredibly tight all the way through, keeping the score within reach for both teams. As they traded offensive strikes and defensive aggression, the clock wound down. In the final minute, Meridian was down 10-9. Needing a goal, Senior Granger David scored to keep the game alive. Then, in overtime, the final goal was scored by junior Jack Moore to secure the team’s fourth straight win.
The team’s next opponent, Liberty, took advantage of Meridian’s tight schedule and back to back games, keeping the score close in what could’ve been a big win for Meridian. The previous day, Meridan won decisively against John Handley 10-1. Versus Liberty, the final score was an 11-8 Meridian victory, but players on the team felt as though it wasn’t their best performance. Rex Macalester voiced his viewpoint on the game, stating that “The boys were tired from the game before, we played down to their level and not the Mustang standard.” Despite the lack of excellence, a three goal win is still nothing to be disappointed in.
During the team’s big win against rival Fauquier, the level of play was notably better. With a final score of 13-9, the Mustangs sent the Falcons packing on their senior night. Notably, sophomore Welby Smith was suspended for the next four games, after suplexing an opposing player. This was in retaliation to the player repeatedly hitting Smith in the head with his stick. The opposing player also received a four game suspension.
Junior Connor Fleming voiced his perspective on the play. “As soon as I saw that guy hitting Welby, I knew that he was going to end up on the ground.” Despite the drama, it was a successful win for the Mustangs.
The next day, against Trinity, Meridian dominated from start to finish, winning 17-7. The ten goal deficit was proof of one of Meridian’s best victories this season.
The Mustangs are now 8-2 through the first ten games of the season. They are second in league standings only to Brentsville. They are also first in the Northwestern region. There are five remaining games this season before the team will attempt to take on regionals.
