Spartans split
The Spartans split the first two games of the season. File photo: BILL POTRECZ
Spartans head coach Chris Spiers saw both ends of the spectrum from his club in the first two games of the season.
The Spartans opened the Ontario Lacrosse Association junior B season with a 10-3 win Saturday night in London and followed that up with a 10-6 loss at home Easter Sunday.
“The first game we played really well. London isn’t a strong team, they’re a really young club,” Spiers said. “Elora played well and we just looked like we weren’t prepared. We got out-worked and pretty much out-everythinged.
“As a staff, I’ll take the blame for that.”
Spiers said the Spartans were able to complete with the defending Founder’s Cup champions early on.
“We came back right back with Elora. It was 5-4. We started off really crappy and then spurted again. We kind of looked like the Leafs.
“I think we just need a little bit of house cleaning. We had a few brain cramps here and there and a few costly penalties did us in.”
The Spartans were without Sam LeClair, who finished second in scoring last season with 20 goals and 32 assists. LeClair, who was in the Czech Republic playing for Canada at the 2019 European Box Lacrosse Invitational, is expected back this week.
“We just have some work to do and are have some kids to come back. Once that happens, I think we’ll be in good shape.” Spiers said. “We’ll be fine.”
The Spartans dug themselves a huge hole last season when they dropped their first six games, but Spiers said that wasn’t even discussed.
“To be honest, it didn’t even get brought up. Last year was last year. We’re not even thinking that way this year.”
Alex Gaston paced the Spartans in the opener with three goals while Blair Pachereva added two. Owen Bachelor, John Kit, Jacob McMillan, Aaron Ward and Connor Aquanno also scored. St. Catharines outshot London 56-33 and went 2-for-6 on the power play.
Sunday at home, Aquanno had a pair while singles went to Mitchell Geoffroy, McMillan, Gaston and Reid Edmands.
The Spartans were outshot 54-53 and had one power-play goal in seven opportunities. Elora collected four goals in seven chances with the man advantage.
It was the first regular season game at Thorold Arena for the Spartans since their move from Merritton.
“We had a great crowd for our first home game,” Spiers said. “It was really weird. We were so busy it really didn’t click in until the game started. We got tons of compliments about the building from the opposing team. Everybody seems to be OK with it so far.”
The Spartans are home to Guelph Sunday at 7 p.m.
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