The562’s coverage of Long Beach Wilson Athletics is sponsored by Joel Bitonio, Class of 2009.
The Wilson boys’ lacrosse team knew they had to come out and deliver the first punch Wednesday afternoon as they took on Dana Hills in the first round of the CIF-Southern Section Division 3 playoffs.
After taking a first quarter lead, Wilson wouldn’t be able to hold off the Dolphins’ attack as they lost 16-10 on their home turf.
“It was a game of runs,” Wilson coach Warren Wright said. “We punched them in the face early and that’s what I asked the boys to do. Unfortunately, but fortunately for Dana Hills, they took our best hit early in the game and put some goals up and that gave them the momentum.”
In the first quarter, Ivan Van Divort and Owen Keller had their one-two punch going early as the two combined for three goals to help the Bruins take a 4-2 lead early on.
However, the Dolphins used their counter attack to keep the Bruins’ defense off balance as they went on a 7-0 run to take a 9-5 lead with less than two minutes in the first half.
Van Divort’s third goal of the game ended a 13-minute scoreless stretch for the Bruins as they went into the half trailing 10-5.
Wilson didn’t let up as Cash Riordan, Diego De La Mora and Jaxson Danell scored to cut the Dolphins lead to 10-8 with 7:35 remaining in the third.
Dana Hills continued to use their speed to respond, however, as Luke Lambert and Charles Tzagournis sliced their way through the Bruins defense. Tzagournis finished the game with a game-high six goals.
“I’ve got to tip my hat to Dana Hills,” Wright said. “They proved they can take the hits and keep giving the hits back.
Wright also said that he will not be returning as coach for Wilson after this season.
The Dolphins advance to play No. 2 seed Agoura in the second round on Friday.
