On a gorgeous afternoon at Putney, the Wildcats won a classic rivalry game that included many lead changes and very competitive play. It was a GREAT team victory! The first goal of the game really exemplified how well the boys played today. Alex Lange forced a turnover, moved it up the field to Ben Phillips, who quickly passed it to Peter McLean, who fed Danny Harrington for a quick stick goal. This is the type of play that shows how fun, fast paced and exciting lacrosse is. Putney then came back and built up 2-1 first quarter lead. The second quarter included more tight play and going into halftime the score was Putney 3 - Dublin 2. In the third quarter, both teams netted 2 goals, which set up a great fourth quarter. Knowing how many sprints and how many push-ups they've done over the past month, the boys wouldn't let Putney outwork them in the final period. Dublin took off in the fourth quarter by scoring 3 goals and shutting Putney's offense down. With little less than 2 minutes left and the score tied 6-6, Peter McLean made a great move, dodged to the net, and scored the eventual game winning goal! The defense then held off Putney in the final minute to secure the victory.

Highlights from the game include an outstanding performance by senior attackman, Peter McLean, who scored 3 goals and added two assists. One of our team goals for the game was to attack the goal and Peter did that often and successfully. Tom Ferstch made a number of clutch saves. The team did a much better job clearing the ball (11/14). Ben Phillips, Woo Jun and Nate were excellent on the ground as they each picked up over 5 gb's. Ben Phillips also recorded his first assist in his young lacrosse career! This will be the first of many in the future. The defense and middies played their best defense of the year. Holding a team to only 6 goals in no easy feat. Seeing us improve in areas where we struggled in previous games was particularly exciting.

The praise is excellent and well deserved, but we still have many more games and more to work to do. First, we need to continue to work on our stick work when our feet are moving. Running with the ball, catching the ball while running to it, and passing it while a defender is on you are aspects of the game that which we can improve. We will do work on this in practice, but it also takes wall ball and passing with teammates outside of practice. Work on what you're not as good at so you can improve in that area rather than continuing to just work on what you find easier. Second, groundballs - SCOOP THROUGH FAST! Finally, focus on the little details - keeping your mouth guard in, not stepping over the line, not overextending on defense, etc. As John Wooden always said, "little things make big things happen."

Thank you to all of the parents who attended the game. I know your boys really appreciate it. Thanks also to Dan Fowler who provided the team with Powerades. Finally, the girls team, who also beat Putney today, were so supportive and loud on the sideline. You can't beat the culture at Dublin.

Great win team. Enjoy it tonight, but get ready to get back to work tomorrow. Let's keep rolling