By Dave Erickson

The Hastings Raiders Lacrosse team hit a point in the season that everyone new was going to be tough. After stacking games upon one another they got a little rest but had to play the strength of the section a little beaten up and a lot run down.

Their game against Rosemount on May 12 was the most difficult outing of the season even though they tried to make a run. The Irish were more than the Raiders could handle. Their struggles seemed to be start at the offensive end of the field, with the team only scoring four goals for the game. And on the defense end of the field, they did not fare much better. The Raiders did keep the goal differential to single digits in the 134 loss.

The Saint Thomas Academy game on May 18 was better and they saw a little more scoring, but Raider fans are still waiting to see the majority of the team play well for a whole game. Hastings tried a little different look against the Cadets, with Luke Chorlton as a midfielder and on the wing for face offs opposite his brother John Chorlton. It looked like the Raiders were trying to work a matchup with a short stick midfielder against Luke Chorlton. Luke Chorlton and Ryan Clemens seemed to switch off for the face offs with Luke moving to attack when Clemens was running the offense. Luke and Clemens both got goals and assists in the game.

Wyatt Vieth, Ben Zaccardi and John Chorlton also all added goals, and John Chorlton led the team with two helpers. Kody Niederkorn led the team with an assist and three goals while Colin Duerkop had an assist and two goals. Ben Clemens as well as Luke Chorlton and Vieth all had assists.

Jackson Sweeney who has been struggling the last couple of games stepped up and played the way he had earlier in the season, stopping a lot of real good opportunities for STA, including a couple right on his doorstep. This may have been Sweeney’s best outing of the year so far. Sweeney wasn’t alone, he had plenty of help from his defense also. Joey Werner, and Owen Glade played really well, down low defensively, forcing Sweeney to make highlight type saves a few times. John Chorlton and Brady Nickel showed why they are both all section defensive players. Nickel is really good playing high or low with his pole but when he is playing high you get to see his skills scooping and running the field, it sets him apart from most other Close Long Pole Defenseman. Except for his partner, All State utility player John Chorlton, who does everything with a pole or a shorty. Those two did not let the Cadets set their feet and rip shots at Sweeney from the outside. Chorlton stepped in front of more than a couple in his efforts to protect Sweeney.

This was good back and forth game that was delayed for a half hour with 47 seconds to go, right after the Cadets took a one goal lead 1011. The half hour delay did not help the Raiders, as they were playing well. They had momentum, were playing with the right kind of emotion and an excited crowed when the game was delayed. The game ended Hastings 10, Saint Thomas 12, and the Raiders serving another penalty. Penalties are the monkey the Raider have not been able to shake. It seems when everything is clicking, they get bit with the penalty bug. If this team can stay out of the box and get everyone healthy and rested, the have a chance to move along in the playoffs.

The final game of the week came at home against CretinDerham Hall at Todd Field. The boys kept the score low and ultimately ended regulation with a 77 tie. In overtime, Hastings kept CDH at bay and won 87.

The final regular season game takes place in Rochester on May 25 at 7:30.

Jackson Sweeney returned to form after a few difficult outings helping the Raiders earn a big win against CretinDerham Hall on Friday. Photo by Sarah Wasvick