Boys Lacrosse: Tigers ground Rockets 12-1

Matt Heinzerling makes one of his nine saves (photo by Jim Lindquist)

The Tigers put together their best defensive effort of the season Tuesday night in a one-sided 13-1 win over Rochester John Marshall at Tiger Stadium.

The stingy Farmington defense limited the Rockets to just nine 10 shots on goal in evening their season record at 4-4.

" JM was outmanned having graduating basically everyone from last year," Tiger coach Paul Sorensen said. "We played well, but there is much room for improvement.

"My concern lies in guys concerns regarding their individual stats versus how they can improve to meet or exceed our team goals. We had a lot of breakdowns in our offensive flow with selfish or individual play. We need to focus on our offensive sets more to provide opportunity and rely less on the individual."

The outcome was never in doubt as the Tigers netted five goals in the first period and three more in the second for an 8-0 halftime lead.

Neither team scored in the third stanza but the home team was back on the offensive during the final 12 minutes, putting five more scores on the board.

Ryan Cole, 2 goals, assist (photo by Jim Lindquist)

Farmington players filled up the stat sheet with 10 different players getting into the scoring act.

Leading the point parade were Corey Rudrud and Brendan Berg who each finished the night with seven points. Rudrud scored four times and recorded three assists while Berg netted two goals and handed out five assists.

Ryan Cole and Jake Bauman scored two goals apiece and Garrett Gunderson, Kevin Clifton, Michael Thompson and Joey Todd each garnered one. Todd's goal was the first of his varsity career.

Cole, Gunderson, Thompson, Mitch Hilton and Nathan Brunelle each added assists.

"Nathan (Brunelle) had an outstanding game in all aspects defensively," Sorensen said.

Matt Heinzerling had a quiet night in the net, stopping nine of 10 shots in posting the victory.

The Tigers hope to climb back above the .500 mark Thursday when they travel to Owatonna to face the Huskies.

 "Owatonna is a pivotal sectional game for us," Sorensen said, "extremely important in many areas as we strive to be a better seed going into sectionals."