Knights Ride Fast Start to Win

Hempfield’s start — three goals in the opening four minutes of Wednesday night’s game at Ephrata — was impressive enough. But, the finish of the Lancaster- Lebanon League boys lacrosse showdown was even better for the Black Knights.

After all, Hempfield ran off the last 12 goals of the contest and posted a 20-4 victory at Mountaineer Field.

“We’ve slowly but surely been putting together a complete game, and tonight was probably the most complete from start to finish, offensively and defensively,” Knights coach Matthew McAlpine said.

Despite his team scoring 20 goals, McAlpine spoke about the defensive effort in the postgame huddle after the Knights held the Ephrata off the scoreboard for the final two and a half quarters.

“Offensively, we have been clicking, defensively we have struggled,” he said. “That’s really where our focus has been and the boys have taken it upon themselves to improve each and every day on the defensive side of the ball.

“Today exemplifies what we have been working on. I am very proud of that.”

Kohl Wesner led the way with five goals, while Robert Griffith, Bryce Witmer, Matthew Heuston and Cameron Asku notched three apiece. Heuston also had four assists for a seven-point night.

“Defense really brought it tonight,” Wesner said. “A lot of our scorers are getting better keeping their eyes up and getting it to the players that can score. We like to spread it around more.”

Griffith got the Knights on the board only 33 seconds into the game and Grayson Dague ripped home a shot 58 seconds later, helping Hempfield, which improved to 7-0 in league play and 8-2 overall, was ahead 8-2 after the opening quarter.

Ephrata (5-2, 8-3) scored twice to open the second quarter. However, Bryson Rhee’s second goal of the game, 7:51 before halftime, ended up being the last time the Mounts scored.

McAlpine is pleased with how the team has come together, especially considering he didn’t get hired as head coach until mid-February, with the season in peril.

“These boys are enjoying every day of being out here and realizing this season is special in a lot of ways,” he said.

The Knights scored five times in the final five and a half minutes of the first half, then opened the second with three in the first 2:21 for a 16-4 lead.

But the loudest cheers of the evening came at the midway point of the third quarter, when senior Daniel Hester, a first-year, seldom-used player, found the back of the net.

According to McAlpine, Hester, whose main sport is soccer, gives all he has chasing down the ball about 45 seconds a game as the “designated rider.”

“He’s a great kid. He came out (for lacrosse) and just wanted to be a part of something special,” McAlpine said. “Tonight he got a goal, which was awesome.” Hester heard his teammates celebrate moments after he tucked a slick pass from Asku into the cage.

“This is my first year and they have been awesome,” he said. “I don’t know a lot about the game, so every time they are out there giving me tips and pointers, anything they can do to help. They’ve been so warm and welcoming, it’s awesome. It’s nice to get that first one.”

“It was a great moment for us,” Wesner added. “He’s a special kid. All he gets to do is ride and it was really nice seeing him get a goal.”

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