JV Cardinals Smack Wolves

The Bishop Ireton Junior Varsity Men’s Lacrosse Cardinals dedicated their game against Pope John Paul the Great (PJPG) HS to their teammate, Sophomore Middie Mitchell Wooten, who was injured during the first game of the season and was hospitalized for seven days. The Cardinals made good on their pledge, played a complete game and earned a 13-0 victory on Fannon Field.

The Cardinals won all face offs in the 1^st quarter, four by Freshman Mid Cristian Vasquez and one by Soph Mid Andrew Grabowski. The offense controlled the ball the entire quarter and never allowed a PJPG possession. At 9:40, Frosh Attackman Devon Reed fed Frosh Mid Tony Caffi cutting into the crease for the 1^st BI score. Soph Attack Jimmy Grant scored three minutes later with an assist from Caffi. Frosh Attack Bryce Smith fed Reed for a score at 5:24. Frosh Mid Brendan Bewick fed Grant on the crease for another score at 3:14. Reed scored at 1:43 with an assist from Grant for a 5-0 lead after one quarter.

The Cardinal Defense allowed two shots in the 2^nd quarter, resulting in one save by Frosh Goalie Ryan Verducci. Grant added an unassisted goal at 7:47. Smith fed Reed at 3:29 to close out the 1^st half scoring and take a 7-0 lead.

When the offense slowed in the 3^rd quarter, Frosh Long Pole Harrison Mertins ran a one man clear and scored at 3:58 to extend the lead. Reed added a solo goal at 55.8. Verducci contributed 3 saves. The Cardinals led 9-0 entering the 4^th quarter. All team members played in the second half.

Frosh Long Pole Louie Galdos ran a one man clear and fed Grant on the crease to extend the lead. The Cardinals took 6 shots during a 2 minute Extra Man Opportunity, but did not score. Reed added another goal at 3:20 assisted by Smith. Frosh Mid Jack Retcher fed Kelly on the crease for a 12-0 lead. 25 seconds later, Frosh Mid and Hockey player Evan Frischkorn slapped a loose ball on the crease into the back of the net for the final score and a 13-0 margin of victory. Verducci faced more shots in the second half but preserved the shut out. The BIJVMLax Cardinals will all sign the game ball and present it to Mitchell Wooten, when he can receive visitors.

Next week the Cardinals travel to PVI on Tuesday and host O’Connell on Holy Thursday.