The Dripping Springs High School lacrosse team returned to the friendly confines of their home field this last Saturday, March 4.
Their opponent, the Strake Jesuit Crusaders, traveled from Houston for a two game stretch against Austin High School and DSHS. The Crusaders got on the board first, just over a minute into the game. Midway through the first, senior Aiden Kane answered for the Tigers and was quickly followed by a Lucas Willingham goal. After another Crusader goal, Willingham added another to close out the first quarter with the Tigers leading 3-2.
Kane took charge in the second quarter, dishing out 4 quick assists before allowing a score. Seniors Walker Wright and Kooper Brown each scored a goal off of one of those Kane assists, and freshman Jake Stockton scored the other two. Strake Jesuit scored two more goals in the second, cutting the deficit to 7-4 at the half, with DSHS in the lead. Brady Taylor picked up two goals in the third quarter off of assists from Kane and Owen Davis. This matched the Crusaders and left the score at 9-6 heading into the final period.
Junior Kyler Parker led the way in the fourth quarter for Dripping Springs, picking up two goals — the first assisted by Kane. Seniors Vaughan Segers and Owen Rhodes finished out the scoring for the Tigers. The Crusaders netted two late goals, but it was not enough, and the Tigers won 13-8. Rhodes went 15-7 on faceoffs and picked up 13 ground balls to lead the team. Parker followed with five ground balls, and Jonah Friedman had three. Friedman and Shane Roberts led the team, forcing a couple turnovers each. Freshman John Ault got the win in goal, picking up 11 saves and two ground balls. Kane received the hammer for his offensive contribution of one goal and six assists.
The Tigers will take on Lake Travis High School on Thursday night, March 9, at the DSHS Track Stadium. This will open up Central District play. JV plays at 6 p.m.; varsity, at 8:15 p.m. Admission is free.
