The Hastings Raiders boys lacrosse team wrapped up their regular season last week with a gritty, hard-fought win over rival Park, closing the year with a 7-6 record and a strong wave of momentum heading into the postseason. This year’s team showed resilience, steady improvement, and flashes of brilliance that have fans and players alike optimistic for the road ahead. From a historic program-first win over Eastview to a thrilling final-game victory, the Raiders found their identity and turned heads in the process. Now, as the fifth seed in Section 3A, they prepare to take on Woodbury in the quarterfinal round, hungry to keep their season alive.
The final game of the regular season had all the makings of a classic. Facing off against Park, one of their longest-standing rivals, the Raiders knew it would be a battle. Park jumped out early, netting three quick goals and putting Hastings on its heels. But the Raiders responded with poise. James Blair got Hastings on the board, breaking the ice and shifting the momentum. That goal opened the floodgates for Carter Hanson and captain Tony Melecio, who each followed with a goal of their own to tie the game.
Melecio’s goal wasn’t just any goal. It marked his 100th varsity career point, a major achievement for any high school player. That milestone seemed to inject the team with a new level of energy. By halftime, Hastings trailed 7-6, but there was no panic, only determination.
Coming out of the break, the Raiders took control. The third quarter saw their offense come alive, netting five goals while the defense dug in and limited Park to just one. The 11-8 lead going into the fourth was well-earned, but the game was far from over. Park clawed back, adding two more before Hastings answered with their twelfth and final goal. In the final seconds, Park scored again, trimming the lead to one with just 20 seconds remaining.
With the game on the line, Melecio stepped up again. He won the final faceoff and expertly drained the clock, sealing the 12-11 victory. It was a complete team effort, full of grit and composure.
Scoring in the win was led by Melecio and Hanson with four goals each. Captain Noah Schwamb contributed two goals and two assists. Jonas Schauer and Blair each added one goal. The defense, anchored by captain Matt Beyer and backed by senior goalie Brady Berzinski, held strong when it mattered most. The Raiders kept penalties to a minimum and played with a mix of intensity and discipline that made the difference.
Looking back on the season, there is plenty to be proud of. The Raiders finish with a 7-6 record, including a historic win over Eastview, the first in program history. That 10-9 victory was more than just a win, it was a statement. It showed that this team is growing, evolving, and refusing to be counted out.
Statistically, the team saw standout performances across the board. Carter Hanson led the team with 48 points, tallying 29 goals and 19 assists. Melecio followed closely with 42 points, powered by 30 goals and 12 assists. Schwamb contributed 26 points with 17 goals and nine assists. Schauer added 15 points on 11 goals and four assists.
In the net, senior goalie Brady Berzinski was a rock. He faced 262 shots on goal and recorded 143 saves, ending the regular season with a save percentage of .546. His leadership and consistency between the pipes gave the Raiders a reliable last line of defense all season long.
The Raiders will say goodbye to eight seniors this year, a group that helped shape the identity of the team. Along with Berzinski, the graduating class includes Gavin Burns, Aden Cavness, captain Kyan Esterby, Gavin Molitor, Fletcher Peterson, Johan Rova-Hegener, and Jacob Swanson. Each of these players leaves a mark on the program, not just for their play on the field, but for the leadership and effort they brought day in and day out.
This season was about more than just wins and losses. It was about development, perseverance, and learning how to compete as a unit. The Raiders showed they could bounce back from early setbacks, come together as a team, and close games under pressure. That is the kind of growth that pays off in the postseason.
Now, with the regular season behind them, the Raiders shift their focus to the playoffs. As the fifth seed in Section 3A, they will travel to Woodbury to take on the fourth-seeded Royals. It will be a tough test, but one that the Raiders are ready for. The boys travel to Woodbury High School on May 29 at 5:00 p.m. for their first-round playoff game. A win there and the boys will head to St. Thomas Academy to take on the number one seeded Cadets on June 2 at 7:00 p.m.