The Tyke division of the Sunshine Coast Rapids Lacrosse Association represented very well at the North Delta Galpin Latimer tournament June 7 and 8.
The first game was against the mighty Coquitlam Adanacs, an experienced team, with 16 games and two tournaments under their belts.
The Adanacs had a tough time getting shots inside the Rapids’ house, thanks to Gavin Bezaire and Wyatt Dunkerton’s defence.
After being down 3-0, Ryder Hudrick gave a clinic on scooping up loose balls, while Ethan Sullivan showed turbo speed, helping Jacob Wingfield score two goals to make it close.
The second game would be a 4-2 victory versus another Adanacs squad.
This win was a full team effort. Brody Kennedy and Wyatt decided to give their goalie a break, busting up plays all over the floor.
Carter Munson helped wear out the competition, testing their agility and speed. Jacob put in two thanks to Ryder’s passing, and then Kayden Garcia put in two of his own. Meanwhile Rylee Vourtsis’ agenda was to completely destroy the middle of the floor with several tenacious runs. Silas Cross had a second strong game in net, solidifying the tykes first win.
Game three was a thriller — a 2-2 tie against the Delta Islanders.
Strong defending by the smaller more inexperienced Rapids paid off.
Duncan Pringle showed off his cradling abilities, steam rolling up the centre of the floor with support from Cole Podgorenko, daring the Islanders to check him.
Wyatt wasn’t done either, defending his goalie and blocking shots with Brody. Jacob scored early, and Ben Stiver, in his first game of the tournament, picked up on this and made his first goal look easy.
The Rapids final game was a 6-1 loss to North Delta Hawks.
The toughest opponents of the tournament, the Rapids ran into a hot goalie, and a much bigger team. William August stepped up defensively helping to get the ball forward for some offensive play. With Gavin, William and Rylee holding the fort, Carter lead the charge with an impressive display of speed and endurance. Ben scored the only goal for the Rapids, with a great run up the floor.
Special mention goes to Landon Gray, Riley Cross and Tristan Ross, three mini tyke players who helped their tyke team do the best they could.
