Penticton’s under-14 field lacrosse team didn’t disappoint on home turf.
Playing at King’s Park Sunday for the first time in two years in the Interior Field Lacrosse League, Dan Chetner’s team crushed Kelowna 9-0 and North Okanagan 12-2.
“I thought we were very good on ground balls, taking advantage of opportunities presented during the game,” said Chetner of their win against North Okanagan.
Chetner also tinkered with his lineup, trying players in different positions to allow them to learn all of the responsibilities that go with them.
Providing the offence for Penticton were Collin Duffield with three goals and four points, Beau Chetner with two goals and three points, Aiden Canada and Kale Lawrence with two goals each, while Aiden Warren, Matt Marshall and Logan Cote each scored once.
Chetner said they have been constantly working on things in practice, then getting the players to try and execute in games.
“I thought we controlled the ball well in the offensive end, waited for our opportunities and when we had fast break opportunities, we had guys attacking the net,” said Chetner.
Penticton showed patience with their ball movement, but were also aggressive in fighting for loose balls. Penticton made it difficult for Kelowna to get the ball out of their zone. Chetner was pleased that his players played strong defensively. On turnovers, the players came back hard. Chetner said his group is confident as they continue to work on team play and execution.
“We are coming along, but there is still a long way to go,” he said.
Penticton’s under-12 team lost to Kelowna 7-6 and 10-1 to Kamloops. Coach Chris Danby said it was a good weekend for his team. Against Kelowna, Penticton had a chance in the final minute to tie, but missed the net. A slow start hurt them as they also gave up a few goals early. Danby was impressed to see his players fight back and make it close. Kamloops, a more experienced squad, was a tougher challenge as they don’t have the mix in ages that Penticton has. Danby said that puts them at a disadvantage against a strong team.
“We have definitely gotten better against them as the season progressed,” said Danby, whose youngest player is eight. “In the second half we were able to shut them down a little bit better.
“We’re learning a bit each week,” continued Danby. “Our goal is to try and shrink that gap with Kamloops. We are right there with Kelowna.”
IFL action will resume after the Thanksgiving weekend with games in Vernon on Oct. 19.