On Friday, March 18, the boys’ varsity lacrosse team faced a tough loss against the No. 4 ranked team in Northern California, De La Salle High School, with a final score of 12-6. Despite the defeat, Redwood put up a valiant effort in the first half, keeping the score close. However, as time ran out, the Giants were unable to push ahead. 

Within the first minute of the game, De La Salle was quick to score using their offensive techniques. In return, sophomore Nolan Ewing managed to score the first goal for the Giants, bringing the score to 1-1. De La Salle efficiently kept the ball on their side, and they tried to score two goals after Redwood had scored. However, Redwood’s goalie, senior Ray Hettlemen, blocked both. Further into the period, De La Salle was still in the lead with a score of 3-2. Ewing acknowledged that his team fell short while clearing the ball. 

“We just needed to go to the ball and help our goalie and defense to get it over the line,” Ewing said. 

During the second period, the Giants were catching up to De La Salle on the scoreboard, using their defensive skills to block De La Salle’s attempts on goal. Team captain and senior Dennis Van Der Wal scored three of the team’s goals, leaving the score at 4-7 at the end of the second period. Van Der Wal commended his team’s ability to keep a positive attitude. 

“Our mentality on the sidelines [throughout the game] never really came down; it was up the entire time,” Van Der Wal said. 

As the game progressed into the fourth period, De La Salle was well on its way to victory. Despite the scoreboard’s clear indication of De La Salle’s victory, the Giants gave it their all in the final minutes. Sophomore Jake Vasquez scored a goal in the fourth period, but the score stayed at 6-12 for the remainder of the game. The Giants reluctantly admitted defeat. 

In the midst of the devastating loss, head coach Blake Atkins commented on the team’s vigorous energy and hard work during the game. Atkins applauded senior Robbie Stephens for executing his defensive position powerfully and junior Maxwell Malone for winning 20 of 22 faceoffs.

“Our boys are a little disappointed because we definitely thought the game would be closer. We needed to adjust our clear mid-game, so that helped a little bit in the second and third quarters. [But] we didn’t really do it effectively, so it cost us,” Atkins said. 

The team went in knowing that this game would not be easy. In spite of this, the team acknowledged where it needs to improve and is prepared to re-establish their title. The Giants face off against Terra Linda for their next game today, March 22.