Bonney Lake Boys Lacrosse Falls Short Against Orting Cardinals in Non-League Thriller

Bonney Lake boys lacrosse team Vs Orting Cardinals

In a picturesque setting under the looming presence of Mount Rainier, the Bonney Lake boys lacrosse team embarked on a journey to Orting for a non-league encounter against the Orting Cardinals. The stage was set for a riveting clash on a crisp March evening, with barely a cloud in the sky to obscure the anticipation that hung thick in the air.

Fresh off a nail-biting encounter against league rival Peninsula, where they narrowly succumbed in overtime, the Panthers were determined to bounce back and make a statement. However, their hosts, the Orting Cardinals, had plans of their own, eager to establish their dominance after a challenging start to their season.

Orting wasted no time in asserting their presence, striking early with a stroke of fortune that saw them take an early lead. However, the Panthers were quick to respond, with sophomore Ethan Tibbetts showcasing his skill to put Bonney Lake on the scoreboard. What ensued was a fast-paced first quarter, characterized by relentless back-and-forth action as both teams sought to gain the upper hand.

Senior Jacob Balbi

Senior Jacob Balbi proved to be instrumental for the Panthers, delivering a game-tying score before orchestrating a swift offensive surge that saw Bonney Lake seize the lead. But the Cardinals refused to be outdone, with Cy Gerke leading their charge with a pair of well-taken goals to keep them within touching distance.

As the sun began its descent and the stadium lights flickered to life, the intensity only grew in the second quarter. Despite Bonney Lake's best efforts, Orting maintained their composure, showcasing their offensive drive to pull ahead and establish a commanding lead of 7-5 heading into halftime.

The third quarter saw the Panthers dig deep, with freshman goalkeeper Braden Bonn pulling off some remarkable saves to keep his side in contention. Aiden Nachtsheim's timely strike injected renewed hope into the Bonney Lake camp, narrowing the deficit and setting the stage for a tense final quarter.

Sophomore Aiden Nachtsheim

In the closing stages of the match, both teams left it all on the field, with the Cardinals managing to fend off a late surge from the Panthers to secure a hard-fought victory. Despite a valiant effort from Bonney Lake, Orting emerged triumphant, claiming a 10-8 win in a thrilling encounter.

For the Panthers, Logan Proctor, Aiden Nachtsheim, Jacob Balbi, and Ethan Tibbetts each contributed with two goals apiece, showcasing the team's depth and resilience in the face of adversity. However, it was Orting who ultimately prevailed, leaving Bonney Lake to regroup and refocus ahead of their upcoming league clash against Auburn Riverside.