Exeter gets defensive in win over Mifflin
Ty Yocum says Exeter’s been troubled by some slow starts this season. Even though the Eagles boys lacrosse team won its first five games, it hasn’t always gotten out fast.
That wasn’t a problem Tuesday against unbeaten Gov. Mifflin at Don Thomas Stadium. The Eagles scored the first three goals and led by as many as seven in scoring a 9-5 Berks Conference victory over the Mustangs.
“We just need to set the tone straight from the start,” said Yocum, a junior defenseman. “We were just ready to play (tonight); we wanted to set the tone on ‘em.”
The rugged Yocum and the Eagles’ defense made it tough for the Mustangs (2-1, 4-1) to get any clear shots on goal, and when they did senior goalie Derek Ward was there to stop them. The first-year starter was outstanding, stopping 12 shots, including some tough saves in the first quarter.
“He made some big saves,” Yocum said. “Even though we didn’t do our part, he did his part on that side. It was good. He made up for us.”
Ward never got any varsity minutes until this season, but he stood up to the test against the rival Mustangs, helping the Eagles (3-0, 6-0) build a 6-1 halftime lead.
“I’m very proud of him,” said Exeter coach Dan Crim. “He’s playing huge. He’s communicating, he’s leading our defense. I can’t stress enough about how good Derek’s playing right now.”
Exeter has allowed just 39 goals in six games. That’s made the Eagles coach happy, too.
“Defense is a (priority) here,” Crim said. “Obviously it wins games. We’ve been improving as a unit every single game. We see it in film and it’s good to see that now it’s coming together.
“We’re in there helping inside, we’re sliding appropriately and we’re doing the things necessary. They’re playing very well. Ty Yocum’s playing really well. Our goalie’s making big saves.”
Ty Yonas, Jon Oberholtzer and Richie Karstien hit early goals to give the Eagles a 3-0 lead less than 10 minutes in.
The Mustangs closed to 3-1 in the final seconds of the first quarter on the first of two goals by Jude Enriquez, but the Eagles responded with the next four scores to lead 7-1 early in the second half.
Oberholtzer, a senior who leads Exeter with 23 goals, gave props to his D.
“They’re tough, they stay physical,” he said. “They’re always in front, always forcing them down.”
Gio Nowotarski’s third goal gave Exeter an 8-2 lead midway through the third quarter. Karstien followed with his third goal to make it 9-2.
The Mustangs finished strong, with three late scores, but never threatened Exeter’s best start since it opened 8-0 in 2013.
The Mustangs and Eagles entered the game ranked No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, in the District 3 Class 3A power rankings. They were among six undefeated Class 3A teams, a list that includes Wilson, which was No. 3.
The Bulldogs play the Mustangs next Tuesday, and the Eagles April 22.
Oberholtzer isn’t the least bit surprised by Exeter’s strong start.
“We need to keep it going,” he said, “all year long.”