SD Prep Sports

SD Prep Sports: Boys Lacrosse

Lancers add respect to Metro race

By Phillip Brents

Posted May 5, 2004

The Metro Conference lacrosse wars appear to be heating up toward a climactic finish if Wednesday’s battle between Eastlake and Hilltop high schools is any indicator. The visiting Lancers recovered from a 2-1 first period deficit to claim a 5-4 win at Rancho del Rey Middle School and thus add a bit of drama to the final week of regular season play.

If Hilltop can duplicate its upset victory Monday at league leader Bonita Vista, the race for this year’s league championship could still be in doubt. The defending champion Barons play Eastlake next Wednesday at Rancho del Rey Middle School.

At the least, Wednesday’s victory by the Lancers was all about respect.

In previous Metro contests, Hilltop lost by two goals to Chula Vista, dropped a one-goal decision to Eastlake on a goal in the final 10 seconds of play and lost to Bonita Vista in overtime.

“We have had some close games this season. We were in all of them. Those were tough games to lose when you have control of them. We’ve picked up a couple wins lately. This one feels good,” Lancer coach Pete Bishop said.

Pablo Santana’s goal with 2:25 left brought the Titans to within one goal but the host team could not retain possession of the ball for another rush at Hilltop goalkeeper Jonathan Mayer, who finished the match with six saves. Mayer has been averaging 15 saves per game this season. In the season opener against Granite Hills, he had 23 saves.

The lack of shots at the Lancer net helped doom Eastlake, which continues to lose close games.

The victory raised Hilltop’s league record to 3-3, 3-11 overall, and dropped the Titans to 4-3 in Metro play, 4-11 overall.

Bonita Vista (8-7 overall) entered Wednesday's game at Chula Vista (4-2, 4-6) sporting a league best 5-0 record.

Christian Esparza, Adam Boshell, Kevin Arney and Chris Hunt all scored goals for the Lancers, who rallied with four unanswered goals to lead 5-2 at one point in the final period. Hunt led Hilltop with two goals.

Matt Scott keyed Eastlake with two goals. Kyle Hughes also scored for the Titans.

Monday’s game between Hilltop and Bonita Vista faces off at 4:30 p.m. at Bonita Vista.