Penn Lacrosse kicked off the season with an impressive 3-0 performance at the jamboree, earning wins over Marian (5-1), Northridge (2-1), and LaPorte (6-0).
The Varsity team competed in three twenty minute quarters against each team, and showed depth, discipline, and strong chemistry on both ends of the field. Offensively, the Kingsmen totaled 13 goals and 8 assists, finishing with a 61.5% assist rate that highlighted their unselfish play and ball movement. Dylan Domalewski (Jr.) led the team with 4 goals, while Zach Woods (Sr.) contributed a team-high 6 points (1 goal, 5 assists). Brady Bauer (Sr.) added 2 goals on 100% shooting, and Carson Bays (Sr.) chipped in 2 goals and an assist. The team shot 36.1% overall and consistently created quality opportunities inside and outside of the crease.
Jack Swanson (Jr.), a key part of the attack, said the offense moved the ball well in transition and created strong opportunities off dodges and the two-man game, even though some shots didn’t fall that day. He noted that the team was a little slow getting into their sets but spent a lot of time possessing the ball. Moving forward, the focus is on getting into offensive sets quicker and executing whatever adjustments Coach Bays emphasizes.
Penn controlled possession throughout the day, winning the ground ball battle 33-14 and clearing at an 85% rate (17 of 20). At the faceoff X, the Kingsmen went 8 for 16 (50%), with Collin Hickey (Jr.) winning 75% of his draws. Defensively, Penn allowed just 2 goals across all three scrimmages and held opponents scoreless while man down. Goalie Ben Stambaugh (Sr.) anchored the unit with a 77.8% save percentage, while the defense forced 7 turnovers.
The Kingsmen now turn their attention to a busy stretch ahead. This weekend, Penn travels to North Central to face both North Central and Avon. The following weekend, the team heads to Evansville for a two-day tournament against Evansville Memorial, Evansville Reitz, and Castle. With momentum on their side and clear areas to sharpen, Penn is focused on building consistency and raising the level of play as competition intensifies.
