Lacrosse in the badlands is making headway this season, with all age groups performing in tournaments and games this weekend.
The bantams started their tournament with a convincing 10-4 win over the Innisfail Phantoms on Friday night, followed by a loss Saturday against the top ranked Red Deer Chiefs. They lost against the rough playing Olds team on Sunday to end their season.
After having a bye into the first round of playoffs, the Pee-wee squad lost both their games Saturday, not having the legs to pull off a win, says Badlands Lacrosse President, Dave Powell.
The novice players beat Olds on Friday, 4-3, before taking a heartbreaking double overtime loss on Saturday to Locoka, 4-3. But the team is moving on to the semi-finals this Friday after defeating Red Deer 5-1 on Sunday.
The Ramada Midgets played Friday night against Lacoka and fought right from the opening to the whistle, ending the game with an 8-4 victory. They then lost to a second Red Deer team, with some questionable calls being made, Badlands lost 4-3. Sunday was a different story, with the Midgets being down 4-2 going into the third quarter, came back with 4 uncontested goals to beat Red Deer 6-5.
With this win they have now qualified for Provincials in Medicine Hat in mid-July. They play next Saturday in the semifinals against a strong Innisfail team.
The tyke and mini-tyke teams participated in a fun tournament over the weekend in Blackfalds, with what Powell calls some exciting young players that will carry forward competitive lacrosse in the future.
“Tenacious defense and speedy, creative offense made for some entertaining lacrosse matches for the young players, aged 3 to 8.”