CFNN Reporters Brandon Simpson, Evan Smith, Maddie Seagroves

Last Monday the Colts Lacrosse team headed back to the field to take on the Vikings of Union Pines; this was the first of two meetings between the teams this season. Union Pines has owned this matchup in the past, including winning both games in the series last year. 

The Colts had a tough time gaining any traction to start the game. Loss of focus seemed to be the issue for the team, which was left looking for an answer after going down 5-1 at the end of the first quarter.

Goals off of a man up play by Senior Attackman Jack Donatelle and key saves by Senior Goalie Evan Smith gave the team some momentum, going into halftime 7-3.

“As we all know lacrosse is a team sport, and we all need each other to win a game so We helped motivate each other so we could try our best to get back in the game,” said Donatelle.

Going down by 4 after the first half of play gave the Colts a large mountain to climb, and it proved to be just too much. The Colts ended the game 15-7, and the team left Union Pines with their minds focused on improvement. 

“Watching from the sidelines while I’m injured, it’s clear there’s a lack of confidence with the new guys on offense, the guys just need to trust their work and the hours they’ve put in and they can do some real damage on the offensive end of the field,” said Senior Attackman Brannon Quinton. 

Even with the tough loss earlier in the week, the Colts bounced back with a solid performance against Pine Forest on Wednesday. Cape Fear made offense a priority against the Trojans, posting a 15-1 win in which the entire team contributed.

“I just went out and put up my full effort to help the team in any way I can, I know my fundamentals still need work, but that all comes with time,” said Freshman Midfielder Landon Anderson.

The Trojans struck first, surprising the heavily favored Colts, exposing a hole in the defense on a ball that deflected off goalie Evan Smith’s leg. From then on it was all Blue and Gold. Donatelle was able to put up 8 total points, 4 goals and 4 assists. Junior Midfielder Robert Mcfall also had a great night, in his second game back from a meniscus tear during wrestling season, he was able to put a hat trick of 3 goals on the board for the Colts. 

“I believe that for my second game back of my junior season,I performed as expected, I took three shots on goal and made all three. I believe my catching could be improved. I have also noticed that with being out for a month and a half due to injuries, my stamina has decreased, I’m just working to get back to my 100% to help the team,” said Mcfall.

Other team members were able to get their first as well, Senior Defenseman Alex Bridges was able to get over to the offensive side of the field for his first career score. The team was also able to give valuable playing time to first year Goalie Maverick Cooper, who is primed to take over for Smith next year.

The team is looking to ride off the coattails of this win going into a huge conference matchup vs their rivals, the Terry Sanford Bulldogs, next monday. This matchup will have large playoff implications, so make sure you’re there.