In the course of a week, the Westhill boys lacrosse team got a tour of what major success — and major struggle — looks like, with the Warriors squarely in the middle.
The success part came first, as the Warriors visited Skaneateles last Tuesday night and could not derail the undefeated Lakers in a 17-7 defeat.
It all broke open in the second quarter as Westhill, already down 3-1, watched as Skaneateles poured in seven goals, expanding the margin to 10-3.
Modestly successful on the offensive side, the Warriors saw John Zimmerman score three times as Dylan Tripodi added two goals and two assists. Tris Nicola and Alex Lesins earned single goals as Austin Webb joined Nicola in the assist column.
Combined, goalies Mark McAnaney and Andrew Torak had 10 saves. The balanced Skaneateles attack featured Kelly Donigan (four goals, two assists), Paul O’Donnell (three goals, three assists) and Kevin Rice, who had three goals and two assists.
Westhill moved on to face winless Christian Brothers Academy Friday night and had a different result, though it had to work hard to beat the Brothers 10-8.
Each of the first two periods went 2-2, as did the fourth quarter. The difference came just after halftime when Westhill, sensing the danger, doubled CBA’s output and seized an 8-6 lead before holding on late.
Lesins led the way with four goals, while Zimmerman scored twice, adding an assist. Triopdi, Justin Selbach and Owen Nicola added single goals as Dylan Krell picked up an assist. Each of McAnaney’s nine saves proved important.
So began a stretch where Westhill (2-3) would play five straight home games, including a Tuesday visit from red-hot Cazenovia and a game with Tully on Thursday.
