Lancers prevail at Livestrong, earn trip to championship vs. Pembroke

SM East lacrosse coach Chris Kliewer said a case of nerves may have accounted for a slow start Wednesday night against St. Thomas Aquinas at Livestrong Sporting Park — but once the Lancers settled down, they notched a relatively easy victory in the metro area tournament’s semi-final game. The Lancers face Pembroke Hill Friday night at 7:30 at Livestrong in the championship game.

The Lancers had problems moving the ball early and fell behind 2-1 after scoring the first goal of the game.

“It was back and forth at first, but once we started to get in our rhythm and see good ball movement, we got better scoring opportunities,” Kliewer said.

Junior Connor McGannon had five goals in the Lancers’ 12-7 victory.

Kliewer said the team will have one practice today, but will try to focus on stretching and letting the players rest up in preparation for Friday’s game. The Lancers beat 12-3 Pembroke by a single goal when the teams met April 24.

“At this point in the season, it’s just going to be about who wants it more,” said Kliewer. “So we’re telling the kids to just go out and play their game.”