The Vashon High School Lacrosse Club took its 4-0 record up against two of the top teams in Division I of the Washington High School Boys Lacrosse Association, and came up short on both counts.

Vashon first played at home against perennial powerhouse Bainbridge.

Bainbridge jumped to a 3-0 lead in the first quarter, only to have Vashon hammer back in the second quarter to temporarily stun Bainbridge by tying the score 3-3 at half.

Led by Austin Franks and Chris Griffin, Vashon’s defense stymied the quick striking Bainbridge offense. Things changed dramatically in the second half.

Bainbridge took full advantage of Vashon’s hesitant play. Vashon’s offense never found its rhythm against a tough and disciplined Bainbridge defense. The Bainbridge offense exploited Vashon’s defensive weaknesses to pour in the goals and run away with a 16-5 win.

Vashon traveled to big city Bellevue to play the fourth-ranked Bellevue Wolverines on Friday, April 17.

Vashon’s defense stood tall against Bellevue’s disciplined ball control offense. But Vashon’s offense couldn’t complement the defense.

Though Vashon kept the game close, it could never make a serious challenge to the Bellevue lead until too late in the game. Despite some courageous saves from Vashon’s senior goalkeeper Chad Richardson, Bellevue scattered nine goals through three quarters to build a 12-4 lead.

Vashon made a run at Bellevue in the fourth. Sophomores Hamzah Griffin and Gregor Davidheiser and senior Cooper Loraas tallied three goals. Vashon’s defense was able to shut out Bellevue in the final quarter.

But it was too late and too little. Bellevue hung on for a 12-7 victory.

Vashon remains in the thick of contention for the state championship playoffs. However, the schedule does not get any easier. This week Vashon plays at home against powerful Curtis High School at 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 22.

— Charley Rosenberry coaches the lacrosse team.