Boys' lacrosse falls to Springbrook

SPRINGBROOK HIGH SCHOOL STADIUM, May 8 –

In a rainy playoff match Thursday evening, the boys' lacrosse team ended their season in a close loss to the Springbrook Blue Devils, 2-0. Despite the early exit, the players were pleased with their 8-7 season and hopeful for next year.

The only offensive success in the game came quickly, as Springbrook scored both of their goals in the first quarter. While Blair had numerous opportunities of their own, the offense was unable to capitalize on open shots and finished the game scoreless.

Junior co-captain Mike Mozer led the Blazers with 13 shots. Blair was continually frustrated as shot after shot resulted in a miss or a save from the Springbrook goalkeeper. "The goalie was pretty good low," Mozer said. "But I also hit the post three times. It was a fine-tuning issue."

One of Blair's best scoring chances came midway through the fourth quarter, when senior Tom Stokes passed to Mozer on a slant towards the front of the goal. Mozer managed a quick shot before being mobbed by the Springbrook defense, but the ball soared just inches above the crossbar.

Head coach Bob Gibb cited the missed shots as the main reason for Blair's downfall. "Simply, we didn't score," he said. "We had great opportunities, but we didn't get it done."

In addition, the Blazers were without three key offenders due to injuries - junior Eliot Gold and senior co-captains Jamie Binns and Tim Visclosky. "The three of them were three of our better ball handlers," Mozer said.

The feeling was echoed by senior goalkeeper Mark Goodman. "The injuries crushed us," Goodman said. "Those were three of our key players - having them there would have tipped the balance in our favor."

During the regular season, Blair lost to Springbrook 6-2, and Gibb had been looking forward to a rematch. "The first time we had a lot of penalties, and it was kind of our biggest disappointment," he said. "We were excited to get them again. I felt very good about this game; it was a game we could win."

Goodman was positive about the Blazers' performance, compared to the regular season game against Springbrook. "In some ways we played a lot better," he said. "We weren't able to score, but we held them to two goals, which was impressive."

The defense, led by junior co-captain Andy Holmes and aided by saves from Goodman, held Springbrook scoreless after the first quarter lapses. "The defense was incredible," Mozer said. "We just didn't put the ball in the goal."

Despite the disheartening loss, Mozer and Gibb are both looking forward to next year. "I think if we work hard in the off-season, we can have a really good season next year," Mozer said.

"We need to work more in the off-season," Gibb agreed. "We can be more sophisticated."