KEVIN MENZ 
Sports Writer

     Both Saskatchewan’s under-16 and under-19 lacrosse teams won bronze by defeating Alberta in their respective age groups at the 2010 U16 and U19 Field Lacrosse Championships in Saskatoon from Sept. 3 to 5.

    The U16 Saskatchewan team defeated Alberta 17-10 with senior goaltender Liam Mulligan and senior attack Sam Murphy receiving all-star awards for their play in the tournament.

     “It’s the first time a Saskatchewan U16 team has ever won a medal and it’s great to see these senior players finally rewarded,” said assistant coach and University of Saskatchewan alumni, Justin Sutherland.

     The U19 team’s victory against Alberta proved much more difficult than the U16’s victory.

     On Sept. 3, when Saskatchewan and Alberta met in round robin play, Saskatchewan gave up eight goals in the fourth quarter to lose 15-13 — the bronze medal game was definitely one for revenge.

     “We’ve got a bit of a rivalry going with Alberta,” said Team Saskatchewan lacrosse player Tommy Newton.

     Sunday’s matchup for the bronze nearly brought back Friday’s demons for many Saskatchewan players after Saskatchewan gave up a 7-5 lead at half.

     A great performance on behalf of Alberta goaltender Connor Anderson prevented Saskatchewan from scoring for the first half of the match, allowing the Alberta unit to dominate the third quarter. Heading into the fourth quarter Alberta held a commanding 10-8 lead over Saskatchewan.

     At the start of the fourth, however, Saskatchewan re-established its dominance by controlling the ball and exhausting the Alberta defence. They were able to produce quality scoring chances and were finally able to beat the Alberta goaltender.

     Three goals by Newton in the second half — including the winning goal with less than 30 seconds left — sealed a 12-11 Saskatchewan victory.

     “It came down to it and I just had to bang her in there,” said Newton. “It was unbelievable.”

     In both age groups gold medal games, Ontario defeated British Columbia to win the tournaments.

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image: Stefanie Borsa