By Ben Stroup
If Tuesday’s season-opening showdown between Orange and host Hayes is any indication of what’s to come from area boys lacrosse teams, fans could be in for a wild ride this spring.
It took three overtimes, but the Pioneers finally prevailed when Adam Rieger found the back of the net 34 seconds into the third extra session. The goal was Rieger’s second of the game. Daniel Arcaro also had a big game for Orange (1-0), pouring in a game-best three goals in the win.
The showdown was tight from the start … and defense dominated the early going. The Pioneers owned a 2-1 lead after the first quarter, but the Pacers tallied the lone second-quarter goal to pull even by halftime.
Hayes (0-1) took a 4-3 lead into the fourth after a solid third, but Orange bounced back, winning the fourth 4-3 to send the game into OT.
Michael Trombetti anchored the defense with 13 saves in the Pioneer goal.
Justin McKee led the Pacers with three goals while Connor Shroyer added a pair in the setback. Tyler Groth finished with five saves in the Delaware goal.
Next up, Hayes will take on host Thomas Worthington Friday at 7 p.m. while Orange will host Pickerington North Tuesday, April 5.
Olentangy 14, St. Charles 3
Zach Whitenack, Cam Kennedy and Patrick Grubb each finished with hat tricks while Sam Camacho poured in a pair of goals of his own as the Braves cruised past the host Cardinals 14-3 to start the season Tuesday in Columbus.
Jared Wise, Sam Monastra and Kyle Milliron also found the back of the net while Charlie Harkin finished with eight saves in the Olentangy goal.
The Braves (1-0) return to action Friday against visiting Solon. Game time is set for 7 p.m.
Licking Valley 7, Big Walnut 6, OT
Zach Chucta scored three goals, but it wasn’t quite enough as the Big Walnut boys lacrosse team opened the season with a 7-6 overtime loss Tuesday at Licking Valley.
Campbell Allen, Sam Funston and Nate McVeigh also scored for the Golden Eagles (0-1). Chucta collected a team-best seven ground balls to complement his scoring while Jake Malik and Allen finished with four apiece.
Big Walnut returns to action Friday, April 8, against host Westerville Central.
GIRLS LACROSSE
The Olentangy Orange girls lacrosse team got its season started in style Tuesday against visiting Westerville North, controlling things on the way to a convincing 17-8 win.
Senior captain Sarah Ramsey led the Pioneers (1-0) with four goals, an assist and six draw controls. Carly Vroom also had a nice game, finishing with four goals, while Kailey Collett added a pair of goals and team-leading five assists.
Also: DeSales 13, Olentangy 3.
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Follow Ben Stroup on Twitter @delgazette_ben.
