Coppell entered their March 7th game with Lovejoy Lacrosse last week looking for their fourth win of the season and third win in a row. Both Coppell and Lovejoy came in with identical 3-1 season records, and each had a win over their only common opponent on the season, McKinney.
The teams both looked ready to take an aggressive offensive approach, as Coppell scored first on a fast break opportunity that ended with Sophomore Gavin Osteen finding Senior Brandon Point for the game's first goal. Lovejoy then took the following face off for a fast break with a missed initial shot, but one that was backed up and resulted in a goal to even the game at 1-1. At this point, both the offensive and defensive units for Coppell asserted themselves and put together their most impressive quarter of the season. The Cowboys defense was smothering and aggressive, minimizing quality scoring opportunities and possessions, and forcing numerous turnovers throughout the quarter while allowing no more goals. On offense, Coppell was efficient and productive, scoring the next nine straight goals of the game to finish with a 10-1 lead after the first quarter, effectively putting the game out of reach.
The early lead gave Coppell an opportunity to get several extra shifts for the entire roster, on offense, defense, and for their specialists. The scoring slowed a bit in the remaining quarters, but Coppell was able to add a few more goals and finished the game with a 16-5 win.
The defensive unit was impressive on their limited early opportunities, with Sophomores Colton Delk and Canon Peters each logging 2 ground balls and 2 take aways. Sophomore LSM Remington Reynolds made his impact on the offensive end of the field, scoring 3 goals and notching the first hat trick of his high school career. Senior Reece Reynolds was solid again at the faceoff stripe, winning over 80% of his face offs and grabbing 8 ground balls, along with Sophomore Tyler Wendel winning all four of his draws in the game.
On offense, top performances came from Senior Brandon Point with a perfect 3 goals on 3 attempted shots in the game, Junior Leo Swaldi, who posted his 3rd straight 3-goal game of the season, Junior Max Lamendola who had 2 goals and 1 assist, and Senior Ethan Bivens, with 2 goals, 5 groundballs, and 1 forced turnover.
Coppell will return from Spring Break to take on Houston Kincaid this Saturday, March 16, at 11 AM in Coppell. They will then start preparing for their Division 1 North/West District opener against Jesuit Dallas on March 20. Please come out to Lesley Field and support the team on March 16 and March 20 in their next two home games.
Photo credits to Kurt Liese