By Dave Erickson

On April 16, the Hastings lacrosse team started their season indoor this year in the new Lakeville TCO Dome. The game did not go as planned, but there were some bright spots in the 6-10 loss.

Jackson Sweeney started the season playing like a three-year starter saving 20 shots on goal. Jackson is one of the best goalies that Hastings has ever had and is also one of the best in the state of Minnesota. His play kept the Raiders within striking distance, for the fourth quarter run that fell a little short.

The Raiders scoring was led by Colen Duerkop’s two goals. The other four goals were spread around to Kody Niederkorn, Ben Zacardi, Ryan Clemmons and John Chorlton.

The Raiders opened the scoring but could not keep up with Lakeville North. The second quarter the Raiders had a hard time even getting the ball into their offensive end, allowing North to pull away and the Raiders to fight an uphill battle.

The Raiders are not necessarily a young team on paper but when you look at varsity experience, they are very young. Graduation took 13 player that got a majority of minutes, and face offs last year.

In the dome Saturday Tom Reifenberger took the majority of the face offs for the Raiders. This is Reifenberger’s first year playing and his second day taking face offs. He did very well which gives the Raiders high hope for the future. Duerkop’s full return to the lineup and a couple of goals after having his hand broken last year was also a welcome sight. Senior Ben Zaccardi and Junior Kody Niederkorn saw good time with Duerkop at attack as the Raiders needed to move Luke Chorlton to middie with Clemmons in the third quarter to help with the clear and getting the ball into the offensive end of the field which helped start their run.

The Raider seemed to be a step behind and a little unsure of themselves, but that was a little expected as it’s the first time this this team has taken the field against an opponent. Lakeville on the other has scrimmaged a couple of teams already.

The Raiders next game will be April 25 against Park, home at Todd Field, then on April 26, they travel to Simley to take on the Spartans. Both games are scheduled to start at 7:00 p.m.

Photo by Sarah Wasvick