Lacrosse, what a great spectator sport.
Combining elements that remind fans of other better known sports, like soccer, hockey, football and even basketball, it creates an exciting, unique blend of strategy and nonstop ball movement that can keep fans on the edges of their seats.
That is what happened last Tuesday night when Mira Costa High School, Manhattan Beach, came to Culver City High.
A tug of war ensued with both teams fighting for ball control, taking shots and regrouping after a 2-2 tie at halftime. Senior Josemar Brown was relentless on defense for the Centaurs, dislodging the ball several times and holding his own against much bigger opponents.
The Culver High defense was done in, however, by a more sophisticated Mira Costa offense that demonstrated superior passing skills and outscored the Centaurs in the second half.
Interfering With Culver’s Rhythms
Utilizing a trapping defense, Mira Costa disrupted the offensive flow for Culver at midfield, causing turnovers and limiting the Centaurs’ scoring chances.
When Culver did attack the net, they seemed to be caught in an unlucky game of inches.
Senior Jameson Bartlett made a spectacular ankle high catch. He flipped the ball over into the net only to be ruled in the crease and have his goal disallowed.
Junior Carl Smith fired a shot that ricocheted off the inside of the left goal post, and earlier in the game a shot appeared to roll between the goalie’s legs but somehow didn’t find the net and carried out of bounds.
In the end, Mira Costa prevailed 6-4. But the real winners were the fans. For more information on players, schedules, merchandise, go to culvercitylacrosse.com
