RHS Boys Lacrosse: Ridgewood ready to take the next step
March 27, 2015 Last updated: Friday, March 27, 2015, 12:31 AM
By Matthew Birchenough
ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR |
The Ridgewood News
RIDGEWOOD — As satisfying as the achievements over the past three seasons have been for the Ridgewood High School boys lacrosse team, players and coaches are sick of the same ending that has befallen the program each of those years.
Ridgewood dominated on its way a third consecutive State Group 3 title last season, outscoring opponents, 48-16, during the four-game run through the North sectional to the group final. But once again, unfortunately for the Maroons (15-8), their run ended in the Tournament of Champions semifinal for the third straight year after losing to Delbarton, 12-6.
“We’re close, but for us, that’s not close enough,” said head coach Mike Pounds, who enters his 12th season at the helm with a 185-82 record.
This season, to replicate or even exceed recent success, the Maroons face the task of replacing several key components of last year’s attack, including their top three goal-scorers and point-getters in Andrew Seiter (38 goals, 29 assists), Owen Smith (43 G, 16 A) and Matt Shippee (35 G, 23 A).
Faceoff specialist Oliver Sippel, midfielder Alex Linton, defenders Joe Ricciardi and Dan Hurley and goalie Jack Cardew also graduated.
Problem is not the student athletes – – its the coach. He snatches defeat from the jaws of victory year after year.