By Richard Chorlton

The Hastings Raider Lacrosse team pulled out a close win Monday, April 26th with an 11 to 10 win over the Titans. Tartan has co-opted with North Saint Paul this season, making them even stronger.

It was another hand fought battle that showed that both teams seemingly had small advantages over the other at times.

After a Tartan run and the Titans seemed to be in control of the game, a timely stick check negated a goal and a run that Tartan was on. This helped the Raiders to go on their own run and went up 6-3.

A lead that would be short lived with the loss of Senior mid-fielder Ayden Larimer to a shoulder injury in the first half. Injuries and COVID contact tracing have been two of Hastings biggest problems this year. Losing Juniors John Chorlton and Jackson Sweeney for two weeks due to COVID possible exposure at school. Junior Collin Duerkop to a broken thumb, and Senior Ben Borndale out for the season with his second torn ACL.

The loss of Larimer who has proven over the years to be one of our most reliable midfielders as well as on of our last two faceoff men, after Borndale was injured.

Ethan Hagen was called on to carry the load at the faceoff circle, until the fourth quarter. Hagen did a great job winning most clamps but the physicalness of faceoffs will wear a player out quickly. The Raiders called in Chorlton in the fourth quarter to take faceoffs along with defense and shortsick middie.

Junior Goalie, Jackson Sweeney did a great job back in net for the Raiders after his two week lockdown, not only did Sweeney make great saves, but also being accurate on his out pass clears. Sweeney also won many critical races to the end line at the end of the game, which gave the Raiders an important upper hand.

On the offensive end, Senior Alex Thompson got back on track scoring five goals and had two assists. Freshman, Luke Chorlton had two goals and four assists. Senior, Zack “Pip” Schaffer (Midfielder) has been called on to carry a large load at both ends of the field. Schaffer scored three goals. Ethan Hagen added one goal and one assist, the overall team effort led the Raiders to an exciting victory.

The boys then notched a BIG win Tuesday, May Fourth over the Simley Spartans 15-12. Simley is one of the top teams in the conference.

The Raiders match up well with the Spartans, even with being down Senior Defenseman, Garrett Putnam for the game. Putnam has stepped up this season, moving from a short stick middie to a long-pole defenseman. He is plating some of the best lacrosse of his career. That being said, the Raiders once again had to juggle-line ups on short notice this week.

The Raiders played what as become this teams signature style of play. A fast paced, up and down the field type of game. They play hard using their athletic ability, speed and the “Ride” to push their opponents.

At the end of the first quarter the Raiders were down 1-3 and were playing defense on their heels. Struggling not only with communication in the defensive end of the field, but also not playing their game in the offensive end. After a goal on a clear miscue, and another Spartan goal on a re-start the Raiders found themselves down 2-6. Sophomore, Kody Niederkorn received a long cross-field pass from Junior, John Chorlton and scored the Raiders third goal of the game. The Raiders defensive end seemed to get a spark with Junior, Owen Glade in the lineup.

The Raiders dominated the second quarter pulling themselves to within one goal at the end of the half. The Raiders started the third quarter trailing 7-8 but then gave up two quick goals to the Spartans putting them down by five. Senior, Pip Schaffer found the back of the net and drew a penalty with four minutes in the third quarter. The Raiders sideline was a huge factor in this game with the constant support and cheering! The sideline carried the team to victory with the amazing support and excitement! The sideline was electric, it was the loudest Todd Field has ever been for a lacrosse game.

At the end of the third quarter, a quick “step-down” shot from Junior, John Chorlton assisted by Senior, Alex Thompson gave the Raiders their first lead in the game. The momentum continued with Schaffer into the fourth quarter.

A “wrap around” goal by Freshman, Luke Chorlton started the scoring in the fourth. The game continued with a few back and forth trading of goal. The Raiders were still pumped up and the team’s full field ride and sideline support was the difference in the game. The Raiders were led in scoring by Senior, Alex Thompson with five goals and one assist, John Chorlton had three goals and five assists. Schaffer added three goals and a pair of assists, Niederkorn added two goals and Ayden Larimer and Luke Chorlton each added one goal and one assist. Goalie Jackson Sweeney had another good game in net for the Raiders. It was 100% a total team effort.

The return of junior goalie Jackson Sweeney was instrumental in the win for the Raiders with Sweeney making great saves and managing the defensive side of the field well.

Photo by Sarah Wasvick.