The Knights Lacrosse teams will have to go on a streak to close out the season to secure a WPIAL Playoff spot.
As of right now, the Knights’ record is 3-7 with a section record of 1-3 for 5th place in the Section.
With only the top 4 teams in each section making WPIAL playoffs, the Knights now have to beat Plum and Mt. Lebanon to qualify. On Monday, April 21, the Norwin Boys Lacrosse team fell short to Fox Chapel with a score of 20-5 leaving the Knights in the 5th spot, one out of WPIAL playoffs.
“We’re an experienced group,” said senior captain Ryan Charles. “A lot of us have been starting since our freshman year, and I think that experience is going to allow us to turn the season around.”
Charles is one of four captains, along with Garrett Henning, Jeromie Murray, and Connor Mullen. These four lead a strong group of 9 seniors and 32 total players.
The week before, Norwin battled a hard-fought game on Thursday, losing 10-9 in overtime to the North Hills Indians.
Up by one with little time left, the officials called a push-in-the-back penalty that gave the Indians the ball for the remainder of regulation. With one second left, North Hills snuck one past junior goalie Ty George to force overtime.
“Ty’s play has been a real benchmark for the team so far this season,” said Coach Colin Ekis. “He has given us an advantage that teams have a difficult time preparing for, and has kept us in games even on our off days as a team.”
After a back and forth exchange of possessions in overtime, the Knights let up a goal. This was the third consecutive game between Norwin and North Hills that went to overtime.
“Last time we went to OT with them, Ryan [Charles] scored the winner,” said senior captain Jeromie Murray. “It just sucks that we couldn’t come out on top this time.”
Coach Colin Ekis has spent the last six years as an assistant coach under Chad Good. This year, he took on the role of Head Coach.
“I think Coach Ekis had a good plan going into this season,” Charles said. “He’s known all of us for years, so he knew what we needed to change for us to succeed.”
Going into the game against Upper Saint Clair, Charles was one away from his 100th career point.
“Ryan Charles has been incredibly consistent over the course of his career,” said Ekis. “He wants the ball in big situations and leads the team through that on-field confidence.”
Regardless of the loss, Norwin still controls its own fate. Wins against the two remaining section opponents would give them a real shot at sneaking into the playoffs.
“It’s going to be tough,” said Murray. “Lebo is a real powerhouse in our section, and it’s going to take a lot to beat them.”
One of the weak points in their game has been in transition.
“Our clear has been rough, we have been on defense for too long during games, which takes possession time from us, making us score less goals,” said sophomore attackman Ryan Nemes.
If they can resolve the clearing issue, the Knights can end their season better than they started and give the seniors a good ending to their illustrious four-year stint wearing the blue and gold. They will celebrate senior night on April 30 against Chartiers Valley at home.
“The seniors are like big brothers to the underclassmen and always keep the team together and exciting,” said junior midfielder Ashton Hardy.
The next game is on Thursday, April 24, against Plum. The Knights hope to put up a valiant effort and come away with a win. The game is at home, so make sure to clear your schedules.
