After a rough start that included a four-game stretch where it only suited up 13 players, the Shenendehowa boys lacrosse team is back at full strength and looking for a strong finish.
The Plainsmen (3-5 league, 4-7 overall) ran their winning streak to three games with Saturday’s 12-11 non-league victory over South Hadley. John Olsen and Greg Hitchko each scored four goals, and Adam Hitchko added three goals and three assists.
The winning streak came on the heels of a six-game losing streak a stretch compounded by the suspension of more than half the team for their part in an off-campus party that left a house damaged.
There’s no room to look back,` said Shen coach Mark McQuade. `We need to play our best ball possible.`
McQuade said the key to continuing the turnaround is how quickly the players that were suspended can get back in shape.
`The problem, as I see it, is we’re a month behind the other teams,` he said. `So, we need to jump our learning curve quickly if we’re going to compete.`
The Plainsmen will get a good gauge on where they are in relation to the top teams in the Suburban Council this week. After playing defending Section II, Class A champion Niskayuna Tuesday, they host red-hot Guilderland Friday.
`This week will make or break us,` said McQuade. `If we want to be one of the elite teams, we have to beat one of those teams.`
Blue Streaks earn non-league win
Saratoga is another boys lacrosse team gaining momentum as the season hits the home stretch.
The Blue Streaks (3-4, 6-4) have won four of their last five games including an 11-6 victory over Kingston Saturday. Chris Adams scored four goals, and Ryan Ivory chipped in two goals and four assists to lead Saratoga to the non-league win.
The Blue Streaks’ lone loss during their most recent five-game stretch was last Thursday’s 11-9 setback against Colonie in a Suburban Council crossover game. Saratoga had the lead entering the fourth quarter before Colonie rallied with four goals to pull out the win.
Matthew Crimmins recorded a hat trick, while Ivory and Adams each contributed two goals for the Blue Streaks. D.J. O’Connell led Colonie with five goals.
Like Shen, Saratoga will be tested this week. After playing Shaker Tuesday, the Blue Streaks host Niskayuna Thursday and travel to Christian Brothers Academy Friday.
Layden leads Lady Streaks
Saratoga’s girls lacrosse team has also returned to its winning ways in the Suburban Council following a disappointing loss.
After falling to Shaker 12-11 last Thursday, the Blue Streaks (7-2, 8-3) bounced back with victories over Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake and Averill Park.
Senior Emily Layden has been leading the way for Saratoga the last three games. Layden scored five goals in the loss to Shaker and tallied six times in Monday’s 16-4 victory over Averill Park. She also had two goals and three assists in Saratoga’s 19-2 win against BH-BL last Friday.
The Blue Streaks looked to keep their Suburban Council winning streak alive Tuesday when they played first-place Guilderland. They have four league games left starting with Thursday’s home game against Niskayuna. Three of their final four games are at home.“