A CFNN Staff Report

Last Monday, Colts lacrosse had to play through monsoon conditions in order to eke out their first win of the season. The boys did not let the rough conditions affect them, eliminating a 5 goal deficit to win late in the fourth quarter on a clutch pass from Attackman Jack Donatelle to Midfielder Will Risenmay who was able to put away the goal from the crease. 

The win advanced the Colts to 1-1 in U8 Conference play, keeping playoff hopes alive and keeping them in the hunt for a conference title. 

“My goal was just an extension of a great team. I’m lucky to be with these guys, and happy to help us get a big win,” said Risenmay.

Five different Colts found the net Monday, setting a season record for the team. Along with Risenmay, Jack Donatelle had 8 goals which is a career high, Owen Lucas, Ashton Horne, and Trenton Westbrook all scored one goal respectively. 

“I wouldn’t call this a one man show by any means, we won this game because everyone contributed. When everyone eats, we win,” said Donatelle.

The team had never faced conditions like this before; the rain made foot movement difficult, affecting attackman dodges as well as defensive positioning. The end result was a sloppy slugfest that the Colts were able to come out on top of.

“Playing in these conditions was definitely a new challenge; Your feet felt like they weighed 10 pounds; we had to earn every possession we got. I think fighting through these conditions along with battling injuries all season says a lot about this team, we’ve got grit,” said Senior Defenseman Brandon Simpson.

Despite muddy conditions and dreary weather, the Colts were all smiles after their hard earned victory.

The Colts were back in action two days later on wednesday, far from home vs the Rams of Cleveland High School. Conditions were improved, making the footing better for both squads. 

Despite improved conditions, the Colts offense could not gain any traction. Cape Fear has been hurt by injuries and sickness, limiting production on the offensive side of the field. The Colts came up just short, losing 6-5 on a last second shot.

A score in an average game of lacrosse is between 12 and 13 goals, making this game an impressive showing from the Colts defense. 

“With our relatively young defense it’s fun to watch them improve every time we step on the field. This was shown at Cleveland with them playing way more physical than before, I also had some pretty sweet saves,” said Evan Smith, Senior goalie.

Although the scoring wasn’t up to par, the defense certainly was, playing a physical and aggressive style that they had not shown yet this season. This is becoming a trademark for the Colts this season, hard nose defense and physicality.

The Colts are now preparing to move into conference matchups, which will make or break their playoff hopes. The team will be adding back players from the injury list almost every week. They will back in action next Monday away against Union Pines, and then will be back at home Wednesday vs a new conference opponent, the Pine Forest Trojans.