Senior Gunnar Geiger motors downfield after winning the face-off. (Jenny L’Hommedieu’19/Media)

The CA boys lacrosse team had its 8-game winning streak snapped on Thursday, April 25, as the Vikings fell to St. Charles, 9-7.

Before clashing with the Cardinals, Academy hosted Buckeye Valley on Tuesday, April 23, and took the Barons to the cleaners, 18-4. Junior Andrew Swartz led the Vikes with 4 goals, and senior Malcolm Klingbeil and freshman Zach White both tallied hat tricks. Junior Charlie Yaw and sophomore Robert Mills each scored twice, and seniors David Barren and Keenan Bellisari, along with junior Blake Chiovaro and freshman Chris Sugar, tacked on a goal apiece as well in the win.

CA then traveled to St. Charles for a matchup with a tough Cardinals squad. The Vikings drew first blood, as Barren kicked off the scoring with a pair of goals. Klingbeil followed with a long-distance laser, and Academy owned the lead early.

After St. Charles got one back, Barren set up White for a score. The Cardinals responded with two more goals, and trailed 4-3 after the opening period.

Both defenses dominated in the second quarter, as the Vikes were shut out. St. Charles logged the lone score, and the teams headed into the break in a deadlock.

The Cardinals took control in the third period, ripping off 4 unanswered goals. CA’s offensive struggles continued, as the Vikings were blanked again.

St. Charles found the back of the net to begin the fourth quarter, and the Cardinals held a comfortable 9-4 lead. Barren, Swartz, and Yaw each scored in the closing moments to break the scoring drought, but it was too late, as St. Charles picked up the victory.

It was a frustrating loss for Academy, but the Vikes have plenty of opportunities to get back on track. CA will travel to Pickerington North on Monday, April 29 and Westerville North on Thursday, May 2, before hosting Gahanna Lincoln on Saturday, May 4.