Los Alamos Hosts Youth Lacrosse Season Kick-Off Tournament

The ‘Sandtrap’. Alex Byerly and Nate Duffield fight for a loose ball where the grass doesn’t grow. Courtesy photo

Lacrosse faceoff with Nate Duffield. Courtesy photo

Josh Matteson with an amazing block on a close shot with defense from Aiden Alley. Courtesy photo

Jaden Lloyd driving downfield with Colton Key looking for a shot from attack position. Courtesy photo

BY BRIAN KEY
Coach

Los Alamos hosted nearly 140 youth New Mexico lacrosse athletes to compete in this season’s first tournament at Overlook Park in White Rock last weekend – April 9 and 10 – on a seriously breezy weekend. Young athletes from Los Alamos, Santa Fe, Albuquerque, El Paso, and Las Cruces were amped up to compete in this season’s kick-off event.

Athletes competed in either the under 10, under 12, or under 14 age categories throughout the tournament weekend. Camaraderie was displayed as teams joined other teams to make the competition fair for teams that didn’t have enough players. Las Cruces, who is just starting their club, joined the Los Alamos team.

The 10U (10 and under) Los Alamos club had several victories with superb goalie play from Elijah Dinkel and great defensive stops by Logan Price and goals from Jonah Byerly.

The 12U team hung tough against competition from the Duke City Bears, El Paso Stars and Santa Fe with standout players including Ethan Steck, Logan Jelinek, Jeffery Sweers-Swensen, Miles Simon and Harper Van Winkle. The defense was anchored by Oushyn Pesiri, Eli Gill, Milo Naes and Gavin Miller.

The 14U club was beat down by the Duke City Bears early in the tournament but rebounded with a thrilling 6-5 victory over Santa Fe with goals scored by Tyler Jones, Jaden Lloyd, Colton Key and Colter Witt. Josh Matteson had a phenomenal game at goal with game winning blocks and a 60% save percentage.

Special thanks to all the coaches, athletes, and parents who traveled from across the state to this kick-off event.