On Tuesday, March 13, Vashon Lacrosse Club’s boys high school team opened the season against Seattle’s Blanchet High School. This game was a close match from the opening face-off until the final whistle.

Blanchet scored first, but Vashon responded on a wonderful goal by senior co-captain John Smith, assisted by freshman Winter Kimmert.

Vashon took a 3-2 lead into halftime on goals by senior co-captain Luke Hembree and junior Caz Mozeleski.

In the third quarter, Vashon extended its lead to 5-3. As would become a theme throughout the week though, Vashon could not win the face-off and its offense went silent in the fourth quarter. Meanwhile, Blanchet scored three unanswered goals to come back for a 6-5 win.

Two days later, Vashon played at Seattle’s Roosevelt High School. In this game, Vashon started flat and Roosevelt responded by jumping to a commanding 9-1 lead at halftime.

To its credit, Vashon did not fold, but played with fire and focus in the second half. Led by senior co-captain Will West, Vashon’s defense limited the Roosevelt offense to one goal in the second half.

Vashon’s offense went to work early in the third quarter to chip away at the Roosevelt lead. Mozeleski scored first, followed by a flury of goals, including those by junior Anthony Baker and sophomores Griff Jennings and Peter Wolczko. However, it was too little too late for Vashon, as the team again came up on the short end, 10-8.

On Saturday Vashon played at Seattle Prep. This appeared to be Vashon’s toughest game of the week, as Seattle opened the season with two wins and no losses. But Vashon players went into the game with resolve to play good lacrosse as they know they can.

With stout defense led by goalie Aaron Bomber, who made heroic saves all week, Vashon led at the end of the first quarter, 4-3.

In the second quarter, Vashon’s offense showed its scoring potential with four consecutive goals. In the third quarter, Vashon extended its lead to 8-3.

But again, Vashon’s inability to control face-offs and a resurgence of Seattle Prep’s potent offense proved to be Vashon’s demise. Prep scored eight consecutive goals to pull away from Vashon for an 11-10 win.

Senior Luke Hembree led Vashon scorers with four goals. Senior Dan Lofland added two goals and one assist.

Vashon hopes to get on the winning track this next week with games against Kennedy Catholic and Highline.

— Charley Rosenberry is the coach of the lacrosse club’s boys high school team.