Centaurs Lacrosse Falls to Palos Verdes

After opening South Bay League play with two resounding victories, the Culver City High School boys lacrosse team had a chance to find out how far it has come against a formidable foe—.

The Centaurs have made huge strides since last season, but Friday's game indicates they may still have a little ways to go before they challenge for the league title.

Palos Verdes scored 11 seconds into the game but Culver City tied it 20 seconds later. The first half was very tightly-contested but the Sea Kings scored three goals in the last four minutes to take a 7-5 lead. Palos Verdes opened the third quarter with four unanswered goals to take command and went on to a 19-8 victory.

"It was a tough game but we didn't stop hustling and we played our hearts out," Culver City middie Eliud Evans said. "They're a good opponent. We tried our best and we'll get them next time. We need to pick the ball up and stop making silly passes."

Zack Fixen, who leads the Sea Kings (4-0, 2-0) with 17 goals and five assists, had three goals. John Romer, who has 10 goals and five assists this season, led the way with five goals, Zach Henkhaus had two goals and three assists, Dean Dillenberg had a goal and three assists and Deano Furkioti added two goals and two assists for Palos Verdes.

"It was tiring, but we played a great team a lot better than we have in a long time," Centaurs defender Drake Myers said. "The first half was unbelievable. The third quarter was tough and the fourth quarter was decent but we didn't pull through. They're definitely a team we can take."

"We played a lot better than we have been," Culver City middie Matt Syetsugu added. "In the first half we were working it around, connecting with the ball and putting it on cage. We got tired and sloppy and started making bad decisions in the second half."

Romare Smith won 20 out 28 face-offs, Grant Cigliano made nine saves and freshman David McCann had two saves in the fourth quarter.

"It definitely surprised me because last year we came out on top by a lot and we underestimated them and they came out hard and were ready to play," Cigliano said. "At halftime we had to reset everything. Coach told me to gear up, fight to the end and don't stop until the last whistle blows. [Defender] Cole Bender was our main slider and worked his butt off the whole game."

It was 3-3 when Ret Tilman gave Culver City a short-lived lead. Palos Verdes came right back when Sean Ahearn tied it 4-4. Derek Owings put Culver City back in front, 5-4, but Palos Verdes took over from there.

Score by Quarters

1

2

3

4

Final

Palos Verdes

4

7

5

19

2

2

1

8

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