By ANNA MARIE BORIA
In overtime, the hearts of the crowd are pounding anxiously. The boys’ lacrosse team is tied in the district semi-final game against Bishop Moore. A premature roar is heard in the crowd as senior John Kissick makes a goal. The goal is recalled due to a crease violation, meaning Kissick entered unplayable space. Bishop Moore soon scores and wins 10-11.
“The Bishop Moore game I felt as if it were taken from us. We were not playing at our best which was a game changer. It wasn’t like Bishop Moore stomped us, they got lucky,” junior defensive player Alan Kominowski said.
This game adds to the list of five games lost by the team in their regular season. Bishop Moore (7-8), Woodbury Forest (7-15), St. Thomas Aquinas (5-15), and Winter Park (10-11). A record not meeting the players’ expectations.
“I don’t think the season met my expectations because we’ve had too many losses and injuries, but I feel we’ve done well in adjusting to those injuries and have had people step up,” sophomore offensive player Paul Chong said.
One player who has stepped up, according to head coach Elliot Whitton, is sophomore offensive player Kyle Irwin, who contributed 10 goals this season.
One game that outshines the other 10 games won is the game against Timber Creek.
The game against Timber Creek was an important win for the team because it was a team they have never beaten before.
“My proudest moment so far this season was beating Timber Creek because it was a huge win for us. It’s good to get that monkey off our back,” Kissick said.
Two of the key players on the team are seniors John Kissick and Mario Muniz.
Collectively Kissick and Muniz made 85 goals this season. They contributed goals to every game. Aside from the games against St. Thomas Aquinas and Freedom where only Kissick scored and Hewlet where only Muniz scored.
According to Coach Whitton, Kissick and Muniz offensively make a good pair.
“The best thing about playing lacrosse is that it’s my passion. It’s what I know and playing it with my team; it’s like a big family,” Kissick said.
On the other hand, some of the more challenging games have been against the private schools on the roster.
“Our more challenging games have been against Lake Highland and St. Thomas Aquinas because with them being private schools, they have more resources than we do,” Whitton said.
Whitton feels the team needs to work on more effective team play on offense.
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