Lack of execution, emotion, intensity lead to North loss

Williamsville North's Pat Mulvihill plays keep away from Niagara-Wheatfield's Elijah Printup during the Spartans' 17-9 home loss on Friday, April 27. Photo by Joe Eberle Purchase color photos at www.BeeNews.com

Williamsville North's home boys lacrosse contest with Niagara Wheatfield on Friday, April 27 was a tale of two different halves.

The Spartans led 7-5 at halftime but were outscored 12-2 in the second half en route to a 17-9 loss.

"In the first half, we played our game and won," said North coach Matt Smart. "We had more ground balls (23-18), took care of the ball on offense, and defensively, stood our ground when we needed to. In the second half, we let them play their game and they won. They had more ground balls (29-15) and the rest was our fault. We held the ball too much, got stripped several times and did not move our feet off ball. Defensively, we slid too often when we didn't need to. Against a team like Niagara-Wheatfield, you will get burned 90 percent of the time when you give them passing lanes and situations to create on offense."

"If we are going to accomplish what the guys said they wanted to this year (win Section VI Class A title), this game has to be a learning experience and a catalyst for change," Smart added. "We are a strong team, but we need to fix a few things. It is on the guys' shoulders. They have the choice of being that same old North team who finishes top four in Section VI Class A or we can work harder to get out of Buffalo and see what we are really made of."

Mike Jaszka and Brent Rickan scored three goals each and Evan Bryant scored a goal and had two assists to lead the North offense. Jaszka scooped up nine ground balls. Nick Stalker and Matt Dindurski each scored a goal. Kurtis Knoebel tossed in an assist.

Elijah Printup had five goals and three assists and Gehnew Printup added four goals and three assists to lead Niagara Wheatfield.

North had two games scheduled earlier in the week but only one finished, a 10-6 home win over Lancaster on Wednesday, April 25. The Spartans' home game on Monday, April 23 with West Seneca West was called by the officials with 8:47 remaining in the fourth period because of poor weather with North leading 9-2. According to Section VI rules, the game must be completed before scores become official.

Smart said the Lancaster win wasn't pretty but his team got the job done, outscoring the Redskins, 8-4, in the second half.

"We let them hang around," said Smart. "The guys dominated the ground balls (53-38) and that is why we had a chance to control the rest of the game."

Bryant led North with three goals and one assist. Pat Mulvihill had a goal and three assists. Knoebel had a goal and assist and Stalker and Jaszka each scored a goal. Goalie Pat Stasio made 11 saves.

Smart said his team controlled every aspect against West Seneca West before it was called.

"I like the fact that we are starting with the ball in our end up 9-2, but we need to come in firing on all cylinders and take care of a job that we started," Smart added.

In another matter, Smart said his program's pancake breakfast on Saturday, April 28 was a success.

"Every varsity parent helped to make this team and program a family," said Smart.

North (4-3) faced North Tonawanda on Tuesday, May 1 but results were unavailable before The Bee went to press. They play at 5 p.m. on Friday, May 4 at Clarence and host Grand Island at 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 5.