Rockhurst lacrosse began their season in dominating fashion March 5, beating Blue Valley Eastside 16-3. Senior Luke McNamara led the scoring with six goals.
Rockhurst got on the board quickly as McNamara, already the career goal leader at Rockhurst, scored an underhand shot a minute in for the first goal of the season. After that, Rockhurst’s offense took off, with goals recorded from seniors Jack Bichelmeyer, Colin Komenda, Reid Moshier, Billy Eckles and Jackson Effertz. During the seven-minute stretch when they all scored goals, Rockhurst only had to play defense once, and that lasted less than 20 seconds.
The first quarter ended with a score of 7-0.
Rockhurst picked up in the second frame right where they left off. Komenda notched a quick goal. Then, immediately after, sophomore FOGO (Face-Off Get-Off) Gentry Curtis won the face-off, sprinted down the field and scored a goal untouched, all within six seconds. Rockhurst continued to tally scores and finished the half up 12-0.
Moshier kicked off the second half with an underhand goal scored while being hit. That would be the only goal for the Hawklets in the third quarter. Eastside finally scored their first goal near the end of the period.
In the final quarter, two goals from McNamara, including a behind-the-back shot, plus another face-off goal from Curtis capped the Rockhurst scoring for the game. Eastside was able to score two late goals, making the final score 16-3.
“It feels good to start the season with such a big win,” McNamara said. “Everyone played really well, and the chemistry clicked right away.”
The chemistry is helped by the fact that Rockhurst returned nine of its 11 starters from last year, most of whom are seniors.
This win added to Rockhurst’s now 21-game winning streak, which has stretched across three seasons.
“These wins prove that Rockhurst lacrosse is hungry and doesn’t get content,” said McNamara. “Even after having a dominant season the last few years, we are never satisfied and are always looking forward.”
Rockhurst seeks to continue their winning streak against Mill Valley on March 6, then they head to Washington DC, where they will play three teams, including the No. 9 ranked team in the country, Georgetown Prep.
“The goal is to carry this momentum throughout the season by keeping the energy high each and every day in practice, games, and even the locker room,” junior Sam Komenda said.
