How did the Hastings Boys Lacrosse team perform in their season opener against Rosemount. What were the key highlights and standout players from the game. How are younger players contributing to the team’s performance this season.
Hastings Boys Lacrosse Kicks Off 2023 Season
The Hastings Boys Lacrosse team launched their 2023 campaign on April 18th at Todd Field, facing off against a formidable Rosemount Irish squad. Despite a challenging start, the Raiders demonstrated resilience and showcased promising young talent throughout the match.
Early Game Dynamics and Scoring Highlights
Rosemount initially took control, establishing a two-goal lead. However, Hastings quickly responded, with junior attackman Wyatt Vieth finding the back of the net on an outside shot, assisted by senior Kody Niederkorn. This goal sparked momentum for the Raiders, though Rosemount managed to extend their lead further.
The game saw several notable scoring plays from Hastings:
- Junior midfielder Ryan Clemens executed a precise “snipe on the run,” narrowing Rosemount’s lead
- Freshman Tony Melecio showcased grit by securing a ground ball and scoring his first varsity goal
- Clemens added a second goal to his tally later in the game
- Eighth-grade midfielder Carter Hanson notched his first varsity goal in the fourth quarter
Emerging Young Talent on Display
A significant aspect of the game was the performance of Hastings’ younger players. Freshman Tony Melecio and eighth-grader Carter Hanson both scored their first varsity goals, indicating a bright future for the program. Their contributions highlight the team’s depth and the coaching staff’s willingness to give younger players meaningful playing time.
Who are the key young players to watch this season?
Based on their performance in the season opener, keep an eye on:
- Tony Melecio (Freshman)
- Carter Hanson (8th Grade)
- Ryan Clemens (Junior)
These players demonstrated skill and poise beyond their years, suggesting they could play crucial roles as the season progresses.
Faceoff Dominance: A Key Factor
While the scoreline may not have favored Hastings, the team showed strength in a critical area of the game. Thomas Reifenberger dominated the faceoff circle, winning an impressive 16 out of 23 faceoffs against Rosemount. This ability to gain possession can be a game-changer and provides the Raiders with a solid foundation to build upon in future matches.
Why are faceoffs so important in lacrosse?
Faceoffs are crucial because they determine possession after each goal and at the start of quarters. Winning faceoffs allows a team to:
- Control the pace of the game
- Limit the opposing team’s scoring opportunities
- Generate more offensive possessions
- Build momentum and put pressure on the opposition
Reifenberger’s proficiency in this area could prove to be a significant advantage for Hastings as the season unfolds.
Offensive Firepower: Melecio and Vieth Lead the Charge
Through the first three games of the season, freshman Tony Melecio and junior Wyatt Vieth have emerged as offensive powerhouses for the Raiders. The duo has combined for an impressive 17 points, showcasing their ability to create scoring opportunities and finish plays.
What makes Melecio and Vieth such effective scorers?
Several factors contribute to their offensive success:
- Complementary skill sets: Melecio’s freshman energy pairs well with Vieth’s junior experience
- Diverse scoring abilities: Both players can score from various positions and situations
- Chemistry with teammates: Their point totals suggest good on-field communication and teamwork
- Adaptability: The ability to perform against different defensive schemes
As the season progresses, the continued development of this offensive partnership could be key to Hastings’ success.
Building for the Future: Youth Development in Hastings Lacrosse
The performance of younger players like Melecio and Hanson in the season opener highlights Hastings Lacrosse Club’s commitment to youth development. This focus on nurturing talent from an early age is evident in the club’s summer program structure.
How does Hastings Lacrosse Club support youth development?
The club offers a comprehensive summer program catering to various age groups:
- 8U (1st-2nd grade): Cross Field 5-on-5 format
- 10U (3rd-4th grade): Cross Field 7-on-7 format
- 12U (5th-6th grade): Full Field
- 14U (7th-8th grade): Full Field
This tiered approach allows young players to develop skills appropriate for their age and gradually transition to more complex game formats. The program runs from May to early August for older age groups and June to late July for younger players, providing ample time for skill development and game experience.
Community Involvement and Club Leadership
While the on-field performance is crucial, the success of Hastings Lacrosse Club also depends on strong community involvement and leadership. The club is currently seeking new board members to ensure its continued growth and success.
What leadership positions are available in the Hastings Lacrosse Club?
The club is actively recruiting for several key positions:
- Treasurer
- Facility Director
- President
- Level Directors (less demanding, “at-large” capacity)
These roles are vital for the club’s operations and future seasons. Current board members, many of whom have served for years and no longer have children in the youth program, are committed to providing mentorship and ensuring a smooth transition for new volunteers.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
As the Hastings Boys Lacrosse team continues its season, they face both challenges and opportunities. The opening game against Rosemount highlighted areas for improvement while also showcasing the team’s potential.
What are the key areas of focus for Hastings Lacrosse moving forward?
Based on the season opener and early games, the team may want to concentrate on:
- Defensive improvements: Limiting opposing teams’ scoring runs
- Capitalizing on faceoff success: Converting possessions into scoring opportunities
- Continued development of young talent: Balancing playing time and experience for younger players
- Building on offensive partnerships: Fostering chemistry between established scorers and emerging talents
- Maintaining community engagement: Ensuring strong support and volunteer participation for the club’s future
By addressing these areas, Hastings Lacrosse can build on its strong foundation and work towards a successful season and long-term program growth.
Hastings Lacrosse Club
The Registration “Hastings Lacrosse Club” is not currently available.
Spring Board Elections
Please see the document below for more information on board positions available. Elections will be held in April or May.
Board of Directors – Position Explanations
Hastings High School Field Map
Please follow this link on details on which field your players will be on.
You can now find us on Facebook!
Download the SportsEngine App
|
|
You are encouraged to download the SportsEngine App. You can also have your player download this app. This app mirrors our team calendar and allows you to receive notifications on your phone of any changes made to the schedule as well as receive all messages that are sent out. You can also easily send out a team message and there is a chat feature as well.
|
Summer 2023 Lacrosse Season Age Bracket – 8U, 10U, 12U, 14U for Boys and Girls
| Level | Grades | Game Style | Season Length | Cost $ | Payment Plan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14U | 7th-8th | Full Field | May-Aug 2 | $320 | 3 months |
| 12U | 5th-6th | Full Field | May-Aug 2 | $320 | 3 months |
| 10U | 3rd-4th | Cross Field 7 on 7 | June 7-July 30 | $180 | 3 months |
| 8U | 1st-2nd | Cross Field 5 on 5 | June 7-July 30 | $180 | 3 months |
*6/1 cut-off date applies to 8th graders only.
All other grades have a 9/1 cut-off.
Try Lacrosse Clinic Starts in:
0
Days
Hastings Lacrosse Club Needs YOUR Help
Hastings Lacrosse Parents,
The majority of our board members have served many years, no longer have kids in the youth program and need to move on in the near future. This season, and future seasons, are contingent on new parents stepping up. We need a Treasurer, Facility Director and President. Additionally, level directors are able to participate in a less demanding, more “at large,” capacity and are highly needed as well. The existing members are committed to stay to provide mentorship and clean transition to new volunteers. I’m asking anyone willing to step up to reach out to discuss.
Mike Nogle
Lacrosse Practice Begins!
0
Days
Hastings Boys Lacrosse Season Gets Underway
Kyle Nogle
Posted 4/27/23
The Hastings Boys Lacrosse team kicked off their season April 18th at Todd Field against a tough Rosemount Irish team.
Rosemount got out to an early two goal lead, but that didn’t last long as …
This item is available in full to subscribers.
Attention subscribers
To continue reading, you will need to either log in to your subscriber account, or purchase a new subscription.
If you are a current print subscriber, you can set up a free website account and connect your subscription to it by clicking here.
Otherwise, click here to view your options for subscribing.
Please log in to continue E-mail Log in Need an account? |
Freshman Tony Melecio and junior Wyatt Vieth combined for 17 points through the first three games for the Raiders.
Sarah Wasvick
Thomas Reifenberger won 16 out of 23 faceoffs for the Raiders Tuesday night against Rosemount.
Sarah Wasvick
Previous
Next
Posted
Kyle Nogle
The Hastings Boys Lacrosse team kicked off their season April 18th at Todd Field against a tough Rosemount Irish team. Rosemount got out to an early two goal lead, but that didn’t last long as junior attackman Wyatt Vieth scored on an outside shot with an assist from senior attackman Kody Niederkorn. Rosemount then tallied three more goals before the Raiders were able to strike back with an absolute snipe on the run from junior midfielder Ryan Clemens which got it back to just a three-goal lead for Rosemount.
Rosemount netted three goals again but this time the run was stopped by freshman prodigy Tony Melecio who got a gritty ground ball and scored his first ever varsity goal. Rosemount then stretched out to a 14-3 lead but Clemens put another one in the back of the net scoring his second goal of the night. Late in the fourth quarter, the up-and-coming eighth grade midfielder Carter Hanson was able to get his first ever varsity goal with an assist from Niederkorn.
Despite the 17-5 loss, senior faceoff specialist Thomas Reifenberger was winning faceoffs very consistently throughout the game and ended the game winning 16 of 23 faceoffs and had five ground balls.
On April 20th, the Raiders took the trip up to Spring Lake Park to battle against the co-op Spring Lake Park/Coon Rapids (SLPCR) team. The Raiders were able to get a quick goal coming from Melecio with an assist from Clemens. SLPCR was able to tie it up at 1-1 but that didn’t last as the Raiders went on a seven-goal run.
That run started with a goal from senior defenseman Brady Nickel, then back-to-back goals from Vieth with assists from Niederkorn and Melecio. Vieth returned the favor by assisting Melecio with his second goal of the night. During that seven-goal run the Raiders got another long stick goal but this time it was freshman long stick midfielder Matthew Beyer who was able to put it in the back of the net for his first ever varsity goal.
The Raiders were able to stay in control the rest of the game and didn’t slow down in the goal department. They continued scoring with goals coming from Reifenberger, Clemens, Niederkorn, Vieth and Melecio. It was a great 17-10 rebound win for the Raiders, bringing them to a 1-1 record on the season.
A few days later the Raiders had a Saturday matinee against the Lakeville North Panthers. The Raiders fought hard but weren’t able to hold on and lost 20-3, to start 1-2 on the season. But the day wasn’t over for the Raiders as they hosted a Try Lax Day on Todd Field.
