Lawrence boys lacrosse
By: John E. Powers
The learning continues for coach Loni Robtison and the Lawrence High School boys lacrosse team.
The Cardinals, in their second year of varsity play, fell to 0-4 April 18, dropping a 13-4 decision to Old Bridge. Sophomore Matt Watson had three goals, and senior John Clarke added the other. Old Bridge jumped out to an 11-0 first-half lead, but Lawrence outscored the Knights 4-2 in the second half. Sophomore goalie Will Tirrell made 17 saves.
The Cardinals have been outscored 103-8 in their losses to Princeton, West Windsor-Plainsboro-South, Edison, Old Bridge, Cranford, Hopewell Valley and Rutgers Prep. The first three teams have winning records, while Old Bridge is 2-5 and Rutgers Prep is 3-4.
"You take teams like Princeton and West Windsor South, and they’re not making mistakes," Robtison said. "We are going quarter to quarter. We’re looking for more offense and points. But overall, we’re playing better."
Robtison got goals from Josh Heinel and Watson in last week’s 18-2 loss to Edison.
"The kids don’t give up," Robtison said.
The Cardinals have played admirably on defense, but players like seniors Drew Madsen and John Perna, sophomore Keith Kent and junior Kevin Gafgen have been in the defensive end too long. The Cardinals were outshot by Old Bridge 30-10.
"Really what separates us from other, more established programs are basics," Robtison said. "It’s really about catching it and going from there. It’s the little stuff."
The Cardinals lost to Cranford 12-1 on Saturday. Clarke scored his fourth goal of the season an unassisted tally in the second quarter. Tirrell made 18 saves for Lawrence, which was outshot 33-18.
On Tuesday, Lawrence fell to Rutgers Prep 13-0 at Lawrence Intermediate School. Tirrell made 24 saves, and the Cardinals were outshot 40-20.
The Cardinals, 1-14 last year, lost their first 10 games before beating Ewing 6-5. The Cardinals will play at Ewing, also 0-4, May 4 and will host the Blue Devils on May 18.
In the meantime, the Cardinals will continue to be fed a diet of mostly established teams.
"The key is to progress, and I think we’re doing that," Robtison said. "As a whole, we’re getting better."
NOTES: The Cardinals’ next three games will be on the road, with dates at North Brunswick on Friday, Howell on Monday and Ewing on Wednesday.