The Oasis Academy Bighorns boys lacrosse team opened the 2018 season on the road at Bishop Manogue High School on Wednesday night. The Bighorns jumped out early off the faceoff win by midfielder Trent Thorn leading to a quick goal by midfielder Josh Carter. The Bighorns continued to build its lead in the first quarter with a goal by freshman midfielder Samuel Robertson.
Attackman Trey Rooks added a hat trick to put the Bighorns up 5-0 after the first quarter. The second quarter featured a run of penalties assessed to the Bighorns, derailing its offense for the quarter. Nevertheless, the defense of Nicholas Delgado, Fearghus Keitz, and Nofo Falani kept the shots to a minimum, and goaltender Brenden Leary kept the score sheet clean.
In the second half, the Bighorns added a pair of goals by Rooks and attackman Koda Biggs off a pinpoint feed from attackman Nate Keener. Meanwhile, defensive midfielders Chris Ehlers, Cole Hamlin, and Randall Kelsey kept the Miners attack to the perimeter all night. In the fourth quarter, Rooks added his fifth goal in spectacular fashion, scoring while falling forward after being tripped by a Manogue defender. In the ensuing extra man situation, Robertson added the final goal for the night.
Despite having to kill 11 penalties, penalty killing midfielders Patrick Morrow and Samuel Robertson killed off all of the penalties successfully. The Bighorns defense limited the Miners to just nine shots on goal all night, and Leary was perfect, saving all nine to earn the shutout. Goals by Carter (2), Robertson (2), Biggs (1), and Rooks (5) powered the Bighorns to a 10-0 win. Thorn finished the night winning five of eight faceoffs.
The boys are back in action in their home opener Saturday against the Truckee/North Tahoe High School (combined team). Home games are played at the Churchill County Regional Fields (on Sheckler Road behind the indoor pool) and admission is free.
John Keitz is head coach, Oasis Academy College Prep Bighorns Lacrosse.