The varsity lacrosse team took the field with high expectations on Wednesday, Feb. 12, hoping to secure a win for their first game of the season. Ultimately, finding that their efforts were not enough, the Warriors fell to the Anderson Trojans in a 8-5 loss.
The Warriors showed a promising start in the first quarter, with an early goal from Zach Propes ‘25. Led by strong defensive plays, the Warriors were able to hold Anderson until midway through the quarter when they scored their equalizer. All tied up midway through the first quarter, the offense attempted to generate momentum. Unfortunately, Anderson defense outmatched the Warriors and the pressure fell on the Warrior defense to fend off attacks. A few successful blocks from goalie Davis Hixon ‘28 held off Anderson for a while, but these attempts were not enough, as a goal slipped past, putting the Warriors behind. Minutes later, another goal by Anderson sealed Westwood’s first quarter 3-1.
“I’m just proud of how many saves I got because it was my first varsity game,” Davis Hixon ‘28 said.
A swift play from Anderson at the beginning of the second quarter only increased the Trojan lead. However, good defense all around held off the Trojans’ offense. But, an aggressive play by Anderson took out Davis Hixon ‘28 and resulted in a flag on the play. As the warrior backup goalie took the field, the Trojans capitalized on the opportunity, making the score 5-1.
“I just tried to do what I can to help the team,” Andrew LeBlanc ‘28 said. “[I’m going to work on] moving the ball better and [having] less turnovers.”
A defeated Westwood was no match for the Trojan offense in the third quarter as Anderson continued to hammer the Warriors, soon setting the game to 6-1. Unfortunately, after a weak chance at revival from the Warriors, Anderson rebutted and put up their eighth unanswered points on the Warriors, ending the third quarter 8-1.
“I think I went around 50 percent on saves so I was really proud of that,” Hixon said.
Westwood came out as a new team to close out the game. A slow start to the last quarter ensured neither team made serious offensive advancements. However, changing the momentum, a goal made by a teammate from another school*, AJ Loyd, started closing the gap. Another Westwood goal, made with mere minutes left in the game, showed hope for Westwood. And shortly after, a second goal by Loyd ended the game at 8-5 with Anderson on top.
“We started rocky, of course, but we had a talk from our coaches to lock down the fourth quarter and that’s what we did,” Zachary Propes ‘25 said. “We had a shutout quarter and we put four goals up and that feels amazing, and I know everyone on defense feels the same way. “
The varsity men’s lacrosse team will face Memorial at 11 a.m. at the Warrior Bowl on Sunday, February 16.
*The Lacrosse team is composed of players from Westwood, McNeil, and Round Rock.
