Westminster boys lacrosse defeats Liberty, 10-1: ‘We needed guys to step up’
Despite being down a couple key players, Westminster boys lacrosse gave first-year coach Mike Flemming his first victory with the Owls.
At first glance, the start of the new season could not have gone any worse for rookie Westminster boys lacrosse coach Mike Flemming.
After failing to capture a win in his first two games, the Owls’ season took a deeper hit with All-County returners Max Johnson and Austin Hardesty suffering injuries.
Facing the prospects of an extended losing streak and needing players to step up and fill big shoes, Flemming never got worried. He knew the type program he was building.
“We’re just looking to build grit,” Flemming said. “It’s something that Westminster has been known for, so as long as we do that, I’m always going to be happy and proud of the boys.”
Jack Hitchcock was won of several who answered the call Thursday night. The sophomore stepped up, notching a hat trick as the Owls defeated Liberty, 10-1.
“I was in a rut for those first couple of games,” he said. “I just worked hard in practice and came out firing on game day.”
Hitchcock did all of his damage on the back end, as the duo of Gavin Gifford and Chase Zepp helped the team jump out to an early, commanding lead. Zepp, who scored two goals of his own, also assisted on three of Westminster four first-half goals. Two of those assists went to Gifford, who showcased his ability to score as well.
“It was great to see Gavin Gifford step up and have a day,” Flemming said. “Chase has been out there leading us, and for Jack to get on track, that was actually a big game for him and his confidence.”
The Owls were just as dominant defensively as the Lions were frustrated all night trying to get one in the net. Goalie Connor McNamara was brilliant, only allowing the one goal. In front of him, the Owls seemingly picked up every ground ball, controlling possessions and leaving the Lions scrambling.
Thursday’s was Flemming’s first win since taking over the Westminster program from long-time coach Steve DeFeo. His players were excited to help him check off that milestone.
“He brings a lot of new things to the table switching up defenses or trying a bunch of different stuff and it’s working,” Gifford said. “He’s an awesome coach, we all trust him a lot.”
With the first win of the season and of the Flemming era checked off the list, the Owls can move forward knowing they’re working toward being that complete gritty team the coach wants to build. The hope is Hardesty and Johnson will return later in the season, and when they do, they will rejoin a more experienced and confident group. Flemming’s first win came with a new look at the potential of a team that was already projected to make noise countywide.
Westminster 10, Liberty 1
Goals: W- Jack Hitchcock (3), Chase Zepp (2), Gavin Gifford (2), Jacob Speigle (2), Tyler Warehime (1). L- Connor Hatfield (1). Assists: Chase Zepp (3), Jacob Speigle (3), Gavin Gifford (2), Tyler Warehine (1) ; L- Ethan Addison (1). Halftime: Westminster 4, Liberty 0