On Tuesday, May 5, the boys varsity lacrosse team dominated Lick-Wilmerding 17-3 in the opening round of the North Coast Section (NCS) playoffs, applying both constant offensive pressure and strong defense. 

The game opened with sturdy defense by both teams, as neither side scored in the first five minutes despite several shots. The Giants eventually broke through with 6:58 remaining in the first quarter, taking a 1-0 lead with senior Rudy Vasquez scoring his first of six goals to swiftly take control of the game.

Redwood scored five goals in the first period, including a late goal from senior Tommy Vasquez with just 4.4 seconds remaining, giving the Giants a 5-0 lead entering the second quarter.

“We make it all about us. Our mantra is play 48 minutes,” Coach Neil Butterfield said.

The Giants continued to dominate possession in the second quarter, repeatedly forcing turnovers and creating shots. 

Redwood extended its lead to 10-0 before halftime, highlighted by Rudy Vasquez stealing the ball directly from the opposing goalie and scoring with 15 seconds remaining.

“I knew the goalie was coming up from behind the cage; it made it easy for me after that. The goalie didn’t see me step out of the crease. I’m like, why not just attack him, [and] go for the ball?” Rudy Vasquez said. 

Redwood continued their dominance in the second half, scoring four more goals in the third while holding Lick-Wilmerding scoreless until 5:59 remained in the third period, when Lick-Wilmerding scored its first goal. 

The Redwood defense and both goalies, Ben Grobecker and Hayden O’Neil, remained strong throughout the game, with Grobecker and O’Neil contributing several key saves that prevented any momentum swings.

The giants added three more goals in the final quarter to close out the 17-3 win.

Even with the large lead, Redwood continued to play aggressively on both ends of the field all throughout the game. Coach Butterfield reflected on the importance of comradery within the team.

“It’s all about playing the game the right way, and it’s about us playing together and for each other,” Butterfield said. “The scoreboard doesn’t really affect that. It’s about the next play.”

Junior defensive midfielder Graham Myers said the team’s fast start helped set the tone early. 

“Getting out to an early start was really great.  We got to see some deeper bench players get in the game too,” Myers said.

With the win, Redwood advances to the 8th round of NCS playoffs, where they will face Berkeley High School on Thursday at home.