(Chris Heermann’18/Media Team)
After a shaky start, the CA boys lacrosse team has gone on a tear, going 4-0 in the past week to get its season back on track.
On Monday, April 17, the Vikings looked to defend its home turf against the Hilliard Darby Panthers. The two teams traded punches throughout the first half, and the score was knotted at 4 heading into the break. Darby quickly jumped ahead in the third quarter, but sophomores David Barren and Malcolm Klingbeil both completed hat tricks to even the score again. The Vikes and Panthers were deadlocked a 9 for several minutes down the stretch, until Klingbeil fired a bullet into the back of the net with just over a minute to play. Academy’s defense held strong, and the Vikings escaped with a narrow victory.
Looking to capitalize on the momentum, the Vikes traveled to Licking Valley to take on the Panthers (not Hilliard). CA got off to a blazing start and never looked back, cruising to a 14-4 win. Barren and Klingbeil again led the way offensively, with 5 and 3 goals respectively. The pair of sophomores have been fantastic for Academy this season. The 10-goal victory gave CA extreme confidence heading into a huge game at home 2 days later.
On Thursday, April 20, the Vikings clashed with the Dublin Scioto Irish, the team that knocked Academy out in the third round of the Division II tournament last season. This time, CA was ready, running over the Irish 9-5 behind 4 goals from Barren. The defense was also huge for the Vikes, as senior captain Anthony Sugar and company put the clamps on the normally explosive Scioto offense. After getting its revenge, CA turned its attention to its game the very next day.
On Friday, April 21, Academy played Wellington, hoping to extend its winning streak. Despite the short rest, the Vikes blew the doors off the Jaguars, 17-1. The wealth was spread in this game, as 9 different Vikings scored. On the other end, CA’s defense continued to dominate, not even allowing the Jaguars to get a shot off on the majority of their possessions.
It was a great week for Academy. The Vikes are back to their winning ways, and are overflowing with confidence. CA will look to stay hot when they take on the Buckeye Valley Barons on Monday, April 24.
