A few players returned to the lineup, a few goals went in, and the Demons came home from New Mexico feeling much better about their season outlook.
The Durango High School boys lacrosse team earned a 17-1 road win at Bosque High School in Albuquerque on Wednesday. The Demons had three players return from winter sports, and they helped the team to its first win of the season.
“We understand we were playing a New Mexico team that is a building program, but it definitely feels good to get our first victory,” DHS head coach John Robinette said. “We got playing time for younger guys late in the game, and we executed better across the board.”
DHS (1-2, 0-2 Mountain League) was led by a big day from sophomore Kyle Robinette, who finished with six goals, five assists and a team-high five groundballs. He also won 2-of-3 faceoffs.
Sophomore Jake Beekman, who returned to the lineup after playing winter hockey, assisted Kyle Robinette on four of his goals. Beekman had one goal and five assists.
“Jake and Kyle have played hockey together many years. They picked up right where they left off as far as chemistry goes,” coach Robinette said.
Trevor Gabbard returned to the team from a state tournament run with the Bayfield High School boys basketball team. He scored two goals and had one assist in his return.
Senior Tanner Smith added two goals and was perfect in six faceoffs for DHS. TJ Rifkin added two goals, and Collin Barkley also scored two goals and had two assists.
“In all, we had 10 guys get points and eight different goal scorers. It’s a big improvement,” coach Robinette said.
Hank Muir made three saves in the first half and didn’t surrender a goal. Andrew Brown played goalie the third quarter and had three saves and allowed one goal. Bryce Gordon played the fourth quarter and made one save and didn’t allow a goal.
DHS outshot Bosque 35-12 and won groundballs 33-12.
The Demons will play a Mountain League game Friday against Eagle Valley before playing another New Mexico team, Santa Fe Prep, at home Saturday.
“We need to take momentum into this weekend. We have a super tough game Friday against an Eagle Valley team we’re evenly matched with,” coach Robinette said. “Santa Fe Prep is a team we traditionally beat, but we’re a brand new team in a brand new season, and we aren’t taking anything for granted.”
heraldsports@durangoherald.com
