The Vashon boy’s high school lacrosse team staged a tremendous come-from-behind victory in front of a large and boisterous home crowd on Saturday to advance to the semi-finals in the state tournament.
Down 6-1 after the first quarter against Camas High School, Vashon managed to pull to within two goals by the end of the first half of play. In the third quarter, Vashon’s defense continued to assert itself and held Camas to only one goal, while the Vultures’ offense scored three more goals, leaving the teams tied after three quarters.
In the fourth quarter, Vashon’s defense continued to be stingy, allowing only one goal despite being “man down” three separate times. Four fourth-quarter goals by Vashon completed the comeback, with the Vultures winning 12-9. Vashon Stadium, or the Vulture-dome as lacrosse fans affectionately call it, erupted in celebration at the end of the game. Vashon fans have waited a decade to enjoy a playoff game victory at home.
Coach Daniel Macca praised his team’s courage.
“Our boys faced adversity and met the challenge. They never stopped competing, and once we found some confidence, our play improved”
Macca said the players were a bit shaken after the tough first quarter, but he tried to calm them down.
“None of these boys has played in front of such a large crowd or in a playoff atmosphere. I tried to keep it light and shared my experiences of playoff games and comebacks to rebuild their belief,” he said. “They believed, and they proved that they deserve to be in the semi-final game.”
Vashon’s scoring was led by Winter Krimmert (3 goals, 1 assist, 10 ground balls), Griff Jennings (3 goals, 1 assist, 2 ground balls), Ezra Ende (2 goals, 2 ground balls) and Evan Anderson (2 goals, 2 ground balls). Nathan Jones and Roan O’Neil each had a goal while Elliot Carleton had two assists. Goalie Marquis Stendahl, played a strong game, making 15 saves on 24 shots.
Vashon will face Seattle Academy tonight in the semi-finals, attempting a historic run to the finals. The game will begin at 7 p.m. at the Vashon stadium.
