Men’s lax beats Thomas
The Castleton State College men’s lacrosse team is riding an eight-game winning streak as it enters the North Atlantic Conference semifinals for the eighth consecutive year.The Spartans beat Thomas College 21-1 in the quarterfinal round on the team’s senior night at Spartan Stadium on May 1.
Senior attackman Mike Martinez’s six-goal performance propelled the Castleton offense. Sam Bailey, freshman attack, scored twice and dished out six assists. Freshman attack Nohea King found the net four times and Senior Korey Counos netted three. The Spartans had 10 players reach the scoring column.
The defensive effort was another impressive performance for the Spartans as the team held Thomas scoreless until late in the third quarter. Castleton has been ruthless on opposing offenses, allowing 13 goals in the past five games.
Freshman defenseman Adam Farmer said it’s important for the defense to continue playing physical.
“We’ve got to bring everything we’ve got,” Farmer said. “Our defensive focus is to not get beat, to give up no goals, period. If anyone comes inside, put them down. That’s our mentality.”
Counos says the team’s focus has been consistent, but it’s critical for the team to continue doing the little things correctly.
“We still need to practice hard and prepare ourselves for Ida and what’s ahead of us.”
Martinez agreed with Counos, saying the team needs to continue to pass and shoot well. Unlike fellow seniors, though, Martinez doesn’t like to know how many games are left or how much longer he’ll be wearing the green and white.
“I don’t like to know any of it. I like to keep a complete open mind. I hate thinking of all that stuff. In my opinion that’s just one more thing to give me a headache,” Martinez said.
Castleton will host Husson University in the NAC semifinals on May 5 at 2 p.m.