A higher level of play was needed for the Skaneateles boys lacrosse team if it wanted to get through a brutal regular-season homestretch.
That trek commenced Friday night, against Homer, a team that pummeled the Lakers 13-5 back on April 20. While the rematch proved a lot closer, the Lakers could not get payback, falling again to the Trojans by a 9-5 margin.
Much of the game was played on even terms as the Lakers’ defense showed vast improvement. The only exception was in the second period, where Homer blanked Skaneateles 3-0 to break a 2-2 tie, and the hosts never caught up.
Brendan Major scored three of the Lakers’ goals, with Nate Scuderi and Tyler Strods also converting and Zach Ross adding an assist. On the Trojans’ side, Brandon Maxson led the way, earning four goals and one assist.
Just before meeting Homer, the Lakers went to Jordan-Elbridge last Tuesday and had a real struggle with the Eagles, requiring a third-quarter spurt to prevail 14-10.
Despite sporting a 3-7 record, J-E did not get discouraged when Skaneateles took an early 4-2 lead. Instead, the Eagles closed the gap to 6-5 by halftime, led there by Gail Thorpe, who would torch the Lakers for seven goals by game’s end.
Only once did Thorpe and his mates get shut down – in that pivotal third period. The Lakers did not allow a goal and scored four straight times, a surge that provided the eventual winning margin.
Connor O’Hara backed up his four goals with one assist. Fabrizio scored three times, while Tyler Strods and Nate Scuderi each had two goals and one assist. Brendan Major earned a goal and three assists, with Zach Ross and defender Trevor Diamond also scoring. Steve Bright had two assists.
At 7-4 following the loss to Homer, the Lakers hosts rival Marcellus Tuesday night before the trip east to face defending state Class C champion Cazenovia on Friday afternoon.
