The Vashon Lacrosse Club’s boys high school team took its game to a higher level with a victory on the road over Seattle’s Garfield High School on Tuesday, April 2. The win established Vashon as a contender in Division II of the Washington High School Boys Lacrosse Association.

From the opening face-off, Vashon demonstrated focus and intensity. However, the team did not immediately hit its stride. It took most of the first half for realigned midfield and defensive units to find their rhythm.

Vashon’s powerful offense came through to keep the game close at the half with attack men Luke Hembree, Caz Mozeleski and John Smith leading the way to an 8-8 halftime tie.

In the second half, Vashon’s defense fortified to limit Garfield to two goals. Led by junior goalie Aaron Bomber, defenders Matt Amundsen, Ian McWhirter, Max Croonquist and Eli Sedgemore repeatedly thwarted and frustrated the Garfield offense.

At the other end of the field, Vashon’s offense continued to score, even on two occasions when Vashon was a “man-down” serving a penalty.

Garfield’s defense could not find an answer for Vashon’s multi-dimensional scoring machine. After Garfield narrowed Vashon’s lead to 10-9 toward the end of the third quarter, Vashon pulled away again to finish with a 14 -10 victory.

The Vashon victory was a classic example of teamwork. Ten of Vashon’s goals came off of assists from teammates. In addition, goalie Bomber took the lead in the league with the most saves.

The team will take a break before finally playing its first home games. They will play Highline at 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 18, and they’ll face Seattle’s Nathan Hale High School at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, April 21.

— Charley Rosenberry is the coach of the high school boys lacrosse team.