Rockford’s boys lacrosse team took fourth place in the OK conference tier one lacrosse tournament last week, falling to Forest Hills Northern/Eastern (FHNE) and East Grand Rapids (EGR).
The Rams faced one of the state’s top teams, FHNE, for the second time in a week, but this time came out on the wrong end, losing 16-11. FHNE started off with a two-goal lead. However, Rockford scored three times in the opening quarter, with two goals from sophomore attackman Kento Nakano, and one from junior midfielder Mitchell Newton. The Rams led 3-2 after one.
FHNE scored four times in the second quarter, while Rockford managed two goals from senior attackman Adam Kroll. Rockford kept the game close with Spencer Sims and Ryan Hartley winning face-offs, which allowed the Rams to maintain possession during much of the first half. The halftime score was 6-5, in favor of the Hawks.
The second half was an abrupt change, as FHNE controlled possession for most of the third quarter, scoring six goals to just one goal from senior Erik Datema of the Rams. Rockford fought back in the final quarter, outscoring Forest Hills 5-4, but could not overcome the damage inflicted during the third quarter. Kroll ended up with four goals, while Newton finished with three goals and two assists. Sophomore Blake McDonald netted Rockford’s final goal of the contest.
On Thursday, May 12, the Rams faced East Grand Rapids at Memorial Field in the consolation game of the conference tournament. The Pioneers won the game by a 15-9 margin, with a balanced scoring attack from eight players. The Rams, who trailed 11-3 at halftime, got two goals each from Kroll, Newton and McDonald. Alex Pouba, Datema and Karson Konkle also scored for Rockford.
The Rams will begin competition in the Division I state regional tournament this week, with a home game at the Ted. The opponent will be the winner of the Grand Haven-Howell game, and the date and time is yet to be determined.
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