Wildcats Battle Big Green

Kimball Union Boys’ varsity lacrosse traveled to Deerfield Academy this afternoon to face off against the powerful Big Green of Deerfield Academy. Sophomore Jamie Schmidt (Shelburne, VT) opened the scoring in the first period with an assist going to tri-captain Jeff Galvin (Plainfield, NH). This lead held for the rest of the period as Kimball Union played with energy and enthusiasm. The Wildcats went man up early in the second and finished with a good shot, only to be denied by the Deerfield goalie. Some nifty passing by Deerfield resulted in quick transition and a MDD goal for Deerfield to tie the game at one all. The Orange and Black continued to battle but failed to finish several excellent opportunities and eventually gave way to the Deerfield offense as they registered three more goals to lead 4-1 at the half. The second half saw more of the same intensity as both teams battled from end to end. Despite some terrific saves by Wildcat goalie Brian Holland (Barrington RI), the Wildcats gave way to three more goals before Evan Roberts (West Cornwall, VT) struck the twine. This was an inspirational goal as the third period ended 7-2 in favor of the Green. With 12 minutes to go Kimball Union put forth their best offensive effort as Roberts registered his second goal of the game with an assist to Schmidt. Soon thereafter, midfielder Robbie Stella (Dover, MA) fed Galvin cutting around the net on a fast break. Galvin turned and drove toward the crease, firing a hard low shot which stopped at the back of the Deerfield twine. With six and half minutes left to play, the Wildcats dug deep but could not match up with the deep Deerfield midfield as the Green pounded home two more goals to seal a 9-4 victory.

Holland was solid in goal with 12 saves, several shot from close inside. Wildcat face off middies Matt Parker (Shelburne, VT), Donner Carr (East Greenwich, RI), Roberts and David Frasz (Dover – Foxcroft, ME) never lost a face off during the first half and came up with the ball nine times, loosing only six on the day, four in the last period. Junior Pickard (Cincinnati, OH), Trevor McGraw (Plainfield, NH) and Ben Severance (Rumford, NJ) were strong on the defensive end, clearing the ball time and again under duress from the Deerfield ride. The 0-2 Wildcats host dangerous Cushing Academy in a home opener on Carver Field at 3:30 on Saturday afternoon.