MSHLAX 5th Grade Weekend Recap

K Grammaticas
MSHLAX Fifth Grade Recap Caldwell and Randolph Games

(Millburn, NJ) This past Thursday (4/11/19) the fifth grade Millburn Short Hills Lacrosse team took on the Caldwell Chiefs and dominated their 5th game of the season with a much needed 9-3 win. The Chiefs had trouble with their passing game and the young Millers were able to capitalize on their opponent’s errors both offensively and defensively throughout the game.
Defense was led by Wes Dieckman and Wade Schmell who held off the Caldwell drives. Mid-fielders Luke Greenseid, Henry Foster and long stick middies Dieckman and Jack Smith dominated the transition and kept their opponents on their heels.
Leading the attack, Oliver Becker was able to sneak in a hat trick plus one to double the lead by half time.
Despite being called five minutes early due to loss of daylight, it was a clear cut victory. Shane Posner had a first half shut out and first year goalie Timothy Chinchilla held the Miller win during the second half.

Unfortunately, the Millers were outplayed on Saturday (4/13/19) against a solid Randolph team who was out for redemption after a close loss to the Millers last year on their home turf. Missed opportunities and an inability to maintain possession, the Millers lost their lead toward the end of the fourth quarter and simply could not transition quickly enough to finish their away game with another goal, losing 3-4.
Reflecting on the close loss, head coach Jonathan Justice believes it is part of the learning process, “This year our 5th Grade Miller-laxers are finding stiff competition from teams that in the past we’ve easily defeated.” He continued, “Our young boys are beginning to learn that hard work and dedication are necessary ingredients for success.”
Despite the result, goalie Shane Posner made a solid effort with 10 saves for 14 shots on goal.

The team goes into their spring break 3-3. Their next game will be away at Berkeley Heights on 4/23.

Caldwell statistics: Posner and Chinchilla in goal. Goals: Becker (4), Luke Betlow (2), Greenseid (1), Foster (1), Posner (1).
Randolph statistics: Posner in goal. Goals: Daniel Licciardi (1), Becker (1), Parker Justice (1).