Boys Lacrosse: A new standard set

Dan Block: All-Missota Conference, All-Section 1 (photo by Jim Lindquist)

A look at the final numbers tells the tale of the 2014 season.

Farmington set a school record with a final 11-4 mark and went 3-2 in its first (and only) season in Missota Conference play. The Tigers drew the No. 2 seed for the Section 1 tournament and hosted two post-season games for the first time in program history.

"The most important thing this year was how our team played team offense and defense," coach Paul Sorensen said "We really bonded as 'family' on and off the field.

"For the first time I could see a shift in culture to one of a true lacrosse program, not just a bunch of guys playing the sport. This group made me a better coach in many ways."

Twenty four players received varsity letters for their contributions to the record-setting season, including 10 seniors: Corey Rudrud, Alex Aubrecht, Nick Workman, Michael Thompson, Dan Block, Chris Fitzgibbons, Mitch Hilton, Kevin Clifton, Alex Kelly and Caleb Hakala.

Underclassmen letterwinners included juniors Garrett Gunderson and Kyle Kratz; sophomores Tyler Jette, Jake Herrera, Nick Fogarty, Mitch Grengs, Connor Olson, Vincent Donahue and James Thompson and freshmen Thomas Fogarty, Tommy Carey, Nick Hinnenkamp, Bryan Aguilar and Isaac Kuehn.

Kyle Kratz: All-Missota, All-Section (photo by J. Lindquist)

Block, 10th in the state in ground balls) and goalie Kratz (second in the state in save percentage and third in goals-against average) each earned a berth on the all-Missota Conference team.

Aubrecht (seventh in the state in ground balls) and Rudrud (36 points) received all-conference honorable mentions.

Block and Kratz also made the all-Section 1 squad; Aubrecht and Rudrud were selected to the all-section section second team.

Sorensen said the season was crammed full of highlights, including his team's defensive prowess which was ranked among the top three teams in the state in goals allowed per game. No opponent managed to score in double digits on the Tigers all season.

"We were one of the top ground ball teams in the state," he said "and that's a major hustle stat...Our offense also  played with flow and poise."

The loss to Lakeville South in the section semifinals and an early season game in which the Tigers amassed a whopping 19 penalties headed the short list of disappointments from the season just completed.

As for the future, Sorensen, the program's only coach in its five-year history, is optimistic.

"We are going to be young and hungry lions heading into our first year in the South Suburban Conference," he said. "We'll have many holes to fill at middie and in our defense, but we have shown a tendency to play up to the competition.

Leading scorer Corey Rudrud (photo by Jim Lindquist)

"We have a large group of eighth and ninth graders and we have a lot of our guys on the junior varsity who are really close. I see a lot of tough battles for the positions left by our graduating seniors.

"Over the summer we need to get better at things we are uncomfortable with. Address them and master them. It takes a lot of field time to perfect those things."

Sorensen and his staff will bring 107 future Tigers to the Farmington youth program this summer, the largest group ever.

"The future looks bright," he said.

Alex Aubrecht seventh in the state in ground balls (photo by Jim Lindquist)

Boys Lacrosse: South ousts Tigers in semifinals

Kevin Clifton scored four goals (photo by Jim Lindquist)

Farmington defeated Lakeville South 9-3 in the opening game of the 2014 season but the Cougars got their pay back, downing the Tigers 9-6 in the semifinals of the Section 1 tournament played Friday night at Tiger Stadium.

Farmington finished its most successful season in its five-year history with a final record of 11 wins and four losses.

The rematch with South was close throughout with the Tigers trailing by a goal at 7-6 heading into the final period, but coach Paul Sorensen's team couldn't produce a score over the final 12 minutes.

Senior Kevin Clifton finished his career on a high note in the losing effort, scoring four of the six Tiger goals. Nick Hinnenkamp and Dan Block netted the other Farmington scores.

Hinnenkamp, Jake Herrera, Mitch Hilton and Chris Fitzgibbons each added assists for the Tigers in the season finale.

"It all came down to playing all four quarters," assistant coach Isaiah Neal said. "We built ourselves a hole and spent the whole second half trying to pry ourselves out but it wasn't enough.

"It was a tough loss. Our seniors made this season unforgettable and they will truly be missed."

The contest was the final in a Tiger uniform for 10 seniors: Clifton, Fitzgibbons, Hilton, Block, Alex Aubrecht, Michael Thompson, Caleb Hakala, Nick Workman, Corey Rudrud and Alex Kelly.

Boys Lacrosse: Taking care of business

Chris Fitzgibbons 2 goals, 2 assists (photo by Jim Lindquist)

Second-seeded Farmington took care of business in its Section 1 opener Thursday night at Tiger Stadium, using a deliberate offensive attack and its usual suffocating defense to score an 8-2 win over Northfield.

"One of the important things we had to do was not look by this game," Tiger coach Paul Sorensen. "We knew what we had to do and we got that done."

Four different players scored goals as the home team lit up the scoreboard twice in each of the first two periods to take a 4-0 halftime lead.

Chris Fitzgibbons, Corey Rudrud, Mitch Hilton and Nick Hinnenkamp netted the Tiger goals in the opening half.

The Raiders drew first blood in the third quarter but Hilton's second score of the night put the lead back to four goals at the end of the third.

Dan Block made it 6-1 early in the fourth quarter before Northfield notched its second goal, another playing with a man advantage.

"That's been the story all year for us," Sorensen said. "Even up we can play with anyone but when  we start taking penalties we run into trouble."

Fitzgibbons netted his second of the night to make it 7-2 and then Kevin Clifton put a cherry on the victory cake with a score in the game's final three minutes.

Fitzgibbons added a pair of assists to his two goals for a four-point night and Hilton had an assist to go with his two goals. Rudrud finished with a goal and an assist, and Hinnenkamp, Tyler Jette and Jake Herrera each recorded assists for the winners.

Mitch Hilton 2 goals, assist (photo by Jim Lindquist)

Tiger goalie Kyle Kratz didn't see much traffic in his area, facing only four shots and stopping two as defenders Alex Aubrecht, Mitch Grengs and Nick Workman helped keep the Raiders on the perimeter most of the night.

Sorensen said his team may be a little ahead of where he expected at this point of the season.

"When you looked at the schedule on paper, I think we picked up a couple of wins along the way that we might not have been sure of," he said. "That helped us get the second seed and we'll see how things go from here."

Next up is  a Friday re-match at Tiger Stadium with third-seeded Lakeville South who beat Owatonna 9-4 in its opening round game.

"South (5-9) plays in a good conference, so their record is a little deceiving," Sorensen said.

Farmington downed South 9-3 in the opening game of the regular season.

Boys Lacrosse: Building momentum

Corey Rudrud scored 10 goals in two games (photo by Jim Lindquist)

If momentum means anything the Tigers may be headed for a long and enjoyable post-season run.

Farmington won two Missota Conference games in less than 24 hours Friday and Saturday to close with a program-best record of 10 wins and three losses. The Tigers finished 3-2 in the Missota Conference, good enough for third place in the final six-team standings

Coach Paul Sorensen's team handled Northfield 10-4 Friday night in Northfield and Saturday morning wrapped up its 2014 regular season with a 19-3 dismantling of Shakopee at Tiger Stadium.

The wins made it five victories in the last five starts for the Tigers, the only defeat a 9-6 verdict to Missota Conference champion Holy Angels.

Farmington 10 Northfield 4
This Missota Conference road match-up was close for half with the Tigers hitting the break clinging to precarious 4-3 lead against the Raiders who brought a four-game winning streak of their own into the contest.

But the Tigers put on the defensive clamps and generated much more offense after intermission, outscoring the home team 6-1 to win going away.
  
"We definitely didn't come out to play against Northfield." Sorensen said. "We finally used our physical superiority to cause some turnovers and allow us to settle into our offensive scheme...

"I've said all year that at even strength I believe our defense can play with anyone. We definitely use our defensive pressure to create transition opportunities."

Corey Rudrud (3 goals) and Chris Fitzgibbons (2) accounted for half of the Farmington scoring. Mitch Hilton, Jake Herrera, Tyler Jette, Nick Hinnenkamp and Kevin Clifton also scored for the winners.

Hinnenkamp and Hilton each contributed two assists and Nick Workman and Mitch Grengs had one apiece.

The Tigers outshot the Raiders 24-11 with goalie Kyle Kratz coming up with seven saves.

Chris Fitzgibbons 5 goals, 2 assists (photo by J. Lindquist)

Farmington 19 Shakopee 3
The 10:00 a.m. start time on Saturday morning had no effect on the Tigers as they rode Rudrud's seven-goal (and an assists) scoring-fest to a wire-to-wire win.

Nine different players found the net for Farmington. In addition to Rudrud's outburst, Fitzgibbons scored three goals and assisted on two more.

Garrett Gunderson had two goals and two assists and Alex Kelly found the net twice. Single goal scorers included Clifton, Workman, Hilton, Alex Aubrecht and Caleb Hakala.

Tyler Jette finished with a team-high four assists. Hilton, Clifton, Grengs and Hinnenkamp each had one.

Kratz and Vincent Donahue shared the goalkeeper duties. Kratz stopped five of six shots while Donahue turned away two of four.

Farmington drew the second seed in the Section 1 post-season tournament and will open play Tuesday at home versus No. 7 Northfield. A win in the opening round game would bring up a Friday semifinal match-up with the winner of the Lakeville South-Owatonna first round game at Tiger Stadium.

"Look for a focused and determined team coming into sections this week," Sorensen said.

Lacrosse: Girls 1, Boys 2 in Section 1 seeding

The Farmington boys and girls lacrosse teams received a lot of respect when it came to seeding for the upcoming Section 1 post-season tournament.

Farmington (12-1) earned the top spot on the girls' side and will start tournament play Tuesday night at 7:00 p.m against No. 8 Northfield at Tiger Stadium. A win against the Raiders buys the Tigers a date with the Rochester Century-Owatonna winner Friday at Tiger Stadium.

With the No. 1 seed the Tigers will have home field advantage throughout the section playoffs.

For complete Section 1 girls' brackets visit
http://www.mshsl.org/mshsl/showxmlbrackets.asp?tournid=678&bracket=6279

The Tiger boys (10-3), meanwhile, were ranked No. 2 by section coaches and will play seventh-seeded Northfield Tuesday, May 27, at Tiger Stadium. Game time is 5:00 p.m.

A victory in that game would give the Tigers home field advantage for a semifinal game on Friday against the winner of the opening round contest between Lakeville South and and Owatonna. The finals are scheduled for Tuesday, June 3.

For complete Section 1 boys' brackets visit
http://www.mshsl.org/mshsl/showxmlbrackets.asp?tournid=682&bracket=6278

Boys Lacrosse: Tigers pick up win No. 8 in OT

The Tigers boosted their season record to 8-3 with a 7-6 non-conference overtime triumph over Hastings Wednesday night at Tiger Field.

A balanced offense, a stingy defense and continued strong goalie play by Kyle Kratz highlighted the win, Farmington's third in its last four outings.

The Tigers built a 4-1 halftime lead before what coach Paul Sorensen described as "sleepwalking"into the third period when the Raiders reeled off four straight scores for a 5-4 lead.

From there the game was tied three times, ending in a 6-6 deadlock at the end of regulation.

Dan Block supplied the game-winner in overtime (photo by Jim Lindquist)

The Tigers got the better of the play in the two overtime periods with Dan Block's goal in transition finally providing the game-winner.

Five different players netted goals for the winners with Jesse Herrera and Chris Fitzgibbons each scoring twice. Mitch Hilton, Nick Hinnenkamp and Dan Block added a goal apiece.

Corey Rudrud picked up a pair of assists with Kevin Clifton and Nick Workman each adding one.

The defense kept the Hastings attack at bay most of the night and Kratz held up his end of the operation with a 16-save night.

Kyle Kratz 16 saves (photo by Jim Lindquist)

The Farmington defense has been a key ingredient in the Tigers' productive season, allowing just 58 scores in 11 games, an average of 5.27 a night. No opponent has been able to crack double figures in scoring this season.
 
 "It was a special night because a lot of alumni from our previous four years were there and it was also Senior Night," Sorensen said.

"Overall I'm satisfied with the outcome but we need to shore up some key areas if we want to make a run at state. Hopefully the nature of this game will serve as a wake up call to our team.... I'm proud of the guys how they battled and the team chemistry with how they worked so closely together. It was a team win."

The Tigers will try to improve their Section 1 seeding standing with two more Missota Conference games on the regular season schedule this week, Friday night at Northfield and Saturday morning at home against Shakopee.

The Saturday morning affair with the Sabers has an amended start time of 10:00 a.m. at Tiger Stadium.

Boys Lacrosse: Second period letdown costly

Chris Fitzgibbons 2 goals (photo by J. Lindquist)

For three of four periods the Tigers outscored No. 10-ranked Holy Angels 6-3 but a big six-goal second period by the Stars proved the difference in a 9-6 Missota Conference loss Thursday night in Richfield.

"We had many uncharacteristic mental defensive breakdowns in the second period and found ourselves down 8-1 at half," Tiger coach Paul Sorensen said.

"We made some adjustments, turned up the heat, and played like we know we can the second half.  I was proud of how we handled adversity. We showed a lot of character coming back the way we did, no quit. Definitely something to build on as we head toward the section."

Farmington (7-3) outscored the Stars 5-1 over the final two periods.

Nick Hinnenkamp scored two goals and assisted on a third to pace the Tiger offense. Chris Fitzgibbons also notched a pair of goals for the visitors. Corey Rudrud added a goal and an assist and Mitch Hilton chipped in with a goal.

Jake Herrera picked up a pair of assists for the Tigers while Michael Thompson and Mitch Grengs each recorded one. 

Goalkeeper Kyle Kratz had a busy night, facing 27 shots and registering 18 saves.

Next up on the schedule for the Tigers is a non-conference match-up with Hastings Wednesday (May 21) at Tiger Field.

Boys Lacrosse: Tigers move to 7-2

Kyle Kratz 15 saves (photo by J. Lindquist)

Farmington continued its winning ways Tuesday night with a solid 12-5 win over Section 1 rival Owatonna at Tiger Stadium.

Corey Rudrud netted four goals and Nick Hinnenkamp, Mitch Hilton and Michael Thompson added two apiece as the Tigers improved their season record to 7-2.

Jake Herrera and Chris Fitzgibbons also scored for the winners who got assists from Hinnenkamp (2), Hilton (2), Fitzgibbons, Alex Kelly and Tyler Jette.

Farmington used a strong defensive effort to take a 5-1 lead to the halftime break and then gradually added to it over the final two periods.

The Tigers controlled the face-offs, winning 12 of 16, and got another strong effort in goal from Kyle Kratz.

Kratz, who ranks among the metro area leaders in save percentage, stopped 15 of 20 shots to post his seventh win of the year.

Thursday the Tigers travel to Richfield for a date with Holy Angels and shot to gain Missota Conference ground. The Stars are unbeaten in three league games; the Tigers are 1-1 in two.

Boys Lacrosse: Tigers down Hill-Murray 9-5

Nick Hinnenkamp 3 goals, 2 assists (photo by Jim Lindquist)

Freshman Nick Hinnenkamp had a five-point night with three goals and a pair of assists to help the Tigers to a 9-5 non-conference road victory over Hill Murray Tuesday night. With the victory Farmington raised its season mark to six wins and two losses.

The visitors were in control of the contest for most of the night, building a 6-1 lead by halftime and entering the fourth period sitting on an 8-1 cushion.
 
The Pioneers scored four of their five goals in the final stanza, long after the game had been decided.

"We had control of the game," coach Paul Sorensen said, "and then we did get all of our players in for periods of time which led to some unfortunate penalties and late goals...

"After an inconsistent first period, we started playing with more urgency offensively and pressing the net. We also turned up the defensive on-ball pressure which resulted in many turnovers and offensive opportunities."

Corey Rudrud added two scores for the winners with Mitch Hilton, Chris Fitzgibbons, Mitch Grengs and Kevin Clifton chipping in with a goal apiece.

Tyler Jette had a good night getting his teammates into scoring position, finishing with a trio of assists. Hilton and Dan Block also had assists for the Tigers.

Goalie Kevin Kratz faced 15 shots for the night and came up with 10 saves for his sixth win of the season.

Thursday the Tigers bounce back to Missota Conference action when they entertain Shakopee at Tiger Stadium. Next Tuesday they play host to Section 1 rival Owatonna.

Boys Lacrosse: Missed opportunities

Nick Hinnenkamp scored two goals for the Tigers (photo by Jim Lindquist)

Tiger coach Paul Sorensen summed up Thursday night's 7-5 home loss to Missota Conference rival Chanhassen in two words: "missed opportunities".

"We were one for seven on man-up  situations and had many shots that were not quality takes," Sorensen said  "Our defense was stellar again. Of the seven goals allowed two were on fast breaks and another was a man down opportunity.

"I couldn't be prouder of how the defensive unit has come together this season. Mitch Grengs, Alex Aubrecht, Nick Workman, Dan Block, Jack Fogarty, Tommy Carey, and Connor Olson all have played quality minutes as a gritty, well-oiled machine...All backed up by our surprise of the year, (goaltender) Kyle Kratz.  I'm sure he would be the first to tell you it's the guys out front that make his life easier."

The Storm led by a single goal at intermission at 4-3 and although the Tigers remained close the entire night they couldn't quite get over the hump.

Nick Hinnenkamp continued his strong freshman season with a two-goal night. Kevin Clifton, Tyler Jette and Corey Rudrud each added a goal. Jette and Mitch Hilton had the two Tiger assists.

Farmington finished the night with a 23-17 edge in shots on goal with Kratz recording 10 saves in another solid effort in the nets.

The loss leaves the Tigers with a 5-2 mark through seven games heading into next Tuesday's con-conference road game at Hill-Murray.

"We have six games left and I like our chances to have the best season ever in Farmington lacrosse history," Sorensen said. "We just need to get back to some basics and tighten up a few things on offense."

Boys Lacrosse: Tigers beat Cadets, elements

Corey Rudrud 4 goals, assist (photo by Jim Lindquist)

The Tigers persevered through some cold, wet and windy conditions to down St. Thomas Academy 6-5 in a non-conference game played Tuesday in Mendota Heights.

Corey Rudrud had a big night offensively, scoring four goals and assisting on a fifth but coach Paul Sorensen said the victory was very much a team effort.

"Corey had a stellar offensive performance with some highlight film goals but the biggest story was our team defense," he said. "The approach this season is simple--use our balanced scoring and defend like our lives depended on it. Defense wins championships.   

"Saint Thomas was a very physical and talented team but we kept to our structure, played with our head, and played as a team."

Chris Fitzgibbons added a goal for the winners, his fifth in the past two games,. Mitch Hilton tallied the sixth score and also chipped in with a pair of assists.Tyler Jette also had two assists for the Tigers.

Kyle Kratz continued to shine in his first season in the Tiger nets, stopping 10 of the Cadets' 15 shots.

Farmington (5-1) resumes its Missota Conference schedule on Thursday with a road contest at Chanhassen.

Tiger Scoreboard: April 27, 2014

Girls Lacrosse
Farmington 11 Eastview 6

Softball at Mankato Tournament

Boys Lacrosse: Tigers move to 4-1

Chris Fitzgibbons 4 goals (photo by Jim Lindquist)

Farmington rallied from a 2-0 deficit after one period to defeat Woodbury 8-4 Friday in Woodbury to run its season record to 4-1.

Chris Fitzgibbons scored a career-high four goals and Corey Rudrud added two more scores for the winners who led 3-2 at the halftime break.

Kevin Clifton and Mitch Hilton each chipped in with a goal. Hilton had a pair of assists and Clifton and Tyler Jette each had one.

Michael Thompson helped the Tigers control possession time by winning 12 of 14 face-offs. Dan Block recorded a game-high 12 ground balls and Alex Aubrecht added eight.

Goalkeeper Kyle Kratz and the defense had another solid night. The Royals finished with just 15 shots on goal with Kratz coming up with 11 saves.

Next up for the Tigers is another tough road challenge Tuesday, April 29, at St.Thomas Academy.

Boys Lacrosse Tigers blank Hawks 11-0

Kyle Kratz 1st career shutout

Farmington roared into its first-ever Missota Conference season with a dominating 11-0 shutout victory over Chaska Thursday night at Tiger Stadium.

Nick Hinnenkamp continued his individual hot streak with three goals and Corey Rudrud had a five-point night with two goals and three assists. Mitch Hilton netted a goal and four assists. and Dan Block added a pair of goals for the winners.

Chris Fitzgibbons, Kevin Clifton and Michael Thompson all scored for the Tigers who got assists from Alex Kelly and James Thompson.

Alex Aubrecht also had a productive night, taking over the state lead in ground balls through four games.

 "Overall our defense continued to put incredible pressure on the opponent," coach Paul Sorensen said. "I'm most proud of the little things that we did that won't show on paper. 

"Our tenacious rides and heady play kept us out of the box most of the night. I'll take our chances against anybody even up."

The Tigers also got a solid night form first-year goaltender Kyle Kratz who posted his first career shutout with a 10-save effort.

The Tigers won't have much time to relish their third win in four starts as they're back in action Friday night with a road game at Woodbury.

Alex Aubrecht state leader in ground balls

Boys Lacrosse: Youth lead Tigers past Mayo

Nick Hinnenkamp scored four goals (photo by Jim Lindquist)

Freshman Nick Hinnenkamp and sophomore Tyler Jette combined for five goals and eight points to lead the Tigers to an 8-6 non-conference win over section rival Rochester Mayo Tuesday night at Tiger Stadium.

The victory was the second in three starts for Farmington who dropped an 8-5 decision to Park of Cottage Grove in its last outing.

"Hinnenkamp and Jette stepped up nicely and gave us a glimpse of our offensive future," Farmington coach Paul Sorensen said. "Our defensive unit played another strong team game, limiting their scoring chances, and we did a much better job of staying out of the box. When we are even up I like our chances against anybody."

Hinnenkamp scored four goals and Jette had a goal and three assists for the Tigers who scored two goals in each period and led 4-2 at the halftime break.

Mitch Hilton, Chris Fitzgibbons and Caleb Hakala had the other goals for the winners. Michael Thompson, Dan Block and Kevin Clifton each added an assist.

Thompson played a big part in the offense by controlling 60 percent of the face-offs.

"In this game, possession is the key to winning." Sorensen said.

Goaltender Kyle Kratz picked up his second win of the young season with a nine-save effort. The Tigers outshot the Spartans 17-15.

Farmingtonwill seek season win No. 3 Thursday when it opens the Missota Conference season at Chaska.

"We still need to shore up our ground balls in traffic and a few minor things in our offensive sets," Sorensen said,  "but I like where we are at this stage and I'm looking forward to starting the conference season." 

Boys Lacrosse: Tigers lose composure, game

Mitch Hilton scored two goals (photo by J. Lindquist)

Park of Cottage Grove downed the Tigers 8-5 Monday night at a chilly Tiger Stadium to even Farmington's early season record at 1-1. The contest was the first of the season for the Wolfpack.

The Tigers controlled the game early and led 4-1 before a rash of penalties completely changed the momentum of the game.

"We had 19 penalties for 20 minutes, or 42% of the game." Farmington coach Paul Sorensen said. "We had 9:30 in penalties in the fourth period alone...Composure, not talent will win the close games."

Kevin Clifton had a three-point night with a goal and two assists and Mitch Hilton scored twice for the Tigers who couldn't muster the offense it did in its season-opening 9-3 win over Lakeville South.

Alex Aubrecht and Tyler Jette also scored for the home team and Gunderson and Nick Hinnenkamp each chipped in with assists.

Tiger Goalie Kyle Kratz faced 19 shots on net, finishing the night with 11 saves. Michael Thompson won seven of 16 face-offs.

Thursday the Tigers open the first (and last) official Missota Conference season with a road game at Northfield.

Boys Lacrosse: A grand opening

Kevin Clifton scored two goals in the season opener (photo by Jim Lindquist)

In last year's opener Lakeville South handed the Tigers the first of their six one-goal losses of the 2013 season..

Friday night on the artificial turf of Lakeville North coach Paul Sorensen's team used seven unanswered goals in the second half to roll by the Cougars 9-3 in the 2014 opener.

"This was a solid team win," Sorensen said. "Our offense was balanced. Our defense was strong all night and goalie Kyle Kratz stood tall.

"The only negative, and something we can shore up, was we were only two of eight in man-advantage situations...But even there we had a lot of near misses."

The teams hit the halftime break deadlocked a 2-2 and South scored the first goal of the second half to set up what looked to be another nail-biter finish.

But the rest of the contest belonged to the visitors who rattled off seven straight to win going away.

"We took our time, settled down the offense and found soft spots in their defense," Sorensen said. "Some of the shots that were just missing early were finding their way home in the second half.  Possession time was in our favor thus wearing down South's defense long term."

Corey Rudrud also had two goals for the Tigers (photo by Jim Lindquist)

Corey Rudrud and Kevin Clifton scored two goals apiece for the winners with Chris Fitzgibbons, Garrett Gunderson, Dan Block, Tyler Jette and freshman Nick Hinnenkamp each notching one.

Michael Thompson also helped the cause, controlling 83 percent of the face-offs to help set the tempo for the offensive attack.

Farmington finished the night with a 23-10 edge in shots on goal. Kratz, making his first varsity start, recorded seven saves.

The Tigers will go for win No. 2 Monday night when they entertain Park of Cottage Grove in a non-conference contest at Tiger Stadium.

Boys Lacrosse: Tigers ready to win the close ones

Corey Rudrud Offensive MVP in 2013 (photo by J. Lindquist)

Last year the Tigers posted another winning season but left 2013 frustrated because all of the losses came by a single goal.

This year coach Paul Sorensen and his veteran team are looking to turn the tables and win those close games.

"Situationally, we weren't as prepared as we should have been," Sorensen said. "We need to drill on scenarios that happen throughout a game and become students of the game. Our athleticism is as good as it has ever been; now we need to become more lacrosse smart."

Sorensen described this year's varsity and junior varsity teams as somewhat interchangeable with a large group of JV players expected to rotate up to the varsity squad.

Ten seniors dominate the list of returnees from last year, including captains Corey Rudrud, Dan Block and Alex Aubrecht. Seniors Kevin Clifton, Chris Fitzgibbons, Caleb Hakala, Mitch Hilton, Alex Thompson, Michael Thompson and Nick Workman all saw significant playing time last season.

Rudrud, was the team's offensive MVP last spring while Aubrecht earned defensive MVP honors. Block won the Hustle Award and made the all-section team. Clifton received the Team Player Award last year.

Senior captain Dan Block made the all-section team last year (photo by Jim Lindquist)

Others vying for playing time on the top two Tiger teams this season include juniors Kyle Kratz, Garrett Gunderson, Frederik Pflug, Nick Buhta, Alex Castillo, AJ Croucher, Richard Halverson, Gavin Quinn, Joe Sempf and John Seurer; sophomores Tyler Jette, Mitch Grengs, Jesse Aubrecht, Jack Fogarty, Jake Herrera, Connor Olson and James Thompson and freshmen Bryan Aguilar, Tommy Carey, Vincent Donohue, Thomas Fogarty, Gerold Cole, Nick Hinnenkamp, Chase Johnson, Nick Klotz, Isaac Kuehn and Tyler Wenck.

One of Sorensen's main concerns, especially in the early going, will be to compensate for the loss to graduation of team MVP and goaltender Matt Heinzerling and leading scorer Brendon Berg.

"We can't replace the scoring of Berg with just one player, so we're going to have to have a more balanced attack," he said. "Goalie is our least experienced position for sure. It's an open competition there. Our approach defensively will be to protect our new goalie as best we can while he gains experience.

Senior Kevin Clifton won Team Player Award last spring (photo by Jim Lindquist)

"We have two strong veteran defensemen in Aubrecht and Workman and with Grengs moving there from longstick we have a solid unit. Our midfield is strong and Rudrud was our second leading scorer last year."

As far as expectations go, Sorensen said he sees his team being competitive in the Missota Conference which for the first time has enough schools offering lacrosse for it to be recognized as an official league sport. 

"We definitely have seen earlier and younger participation in the weight room and in fall and winter leagues," he said. "We sent a record number of players to the University of Minnesota-Duluth camp over the summer, too." 

In addition to the customary regular season games with conference and section schools, the Tigers have beefed up their non-conference schedule with match-ups with St. Thomas Academy, Hill-Murray, Woodbury and Park of Cottage Grove.

"Our level of competition has increased dramatically as we prepare to enter the South Suburban conference next year." Sorensen said.

Isaiah Neal, Randy Oswald and Tyler Klotz will serve as Sorensen's assistant coaches this spring.

The Tigers kickoff their 2014 season next Friday, April 11, with a non-conference game at Lakeville South.

Boys Lacrosse: Oh so close

Goalie Matt Heinzerling: Team MVP (photo by Jim Lindquist)

The Tigers made it two straight winning seasons, finishing 8-6 in year four of the program, but the final numbers don't begin to tell the story of what might have been.

All six Farmington came by a single goal, including a 12-11 setback to state tournament qualifier Rochester Mayo and a 9-8 loss to Rochester Century in the opening round of the Section 1 tournament.

On the bright side, the Tigers overcame two one-goal losses to open the season with a three-game win streak and won five of their last six regular season contests.

Twenty-five players received varsity letters for their efforts this spring, including nine seniors: Jake Bauman, Brendon Berg, Nathan Brunelle, Cole Ryan, Matt Heinzerling, Kegan Markwardt, Alex Osborn, Alex Schrafft and Joey Todd.

Underclassmen lettering included juniors Alex Aubrecht, Dan Block, Kevin Clifton, Chris Fitzgibbons, Caleb Hakala, Mitch Hilton, Alex Kelly, Corey Rudrud, Michael Thompson and Nick Workman; sophomores Nick Buhta, Richard Halvorson, Kyle Kratz and Gavin Quinn and freshman Mitch Grengs.

Corey Rudrud: Offensive MVP (photo by Jim Lindquist)

Goalie Heinzerling who posted seven of the Farmington wins received the team's Most Valuable Player Award. Rudrud took home the Offensive MVP Award and Aubrecht won defensive "Most Valuable" honors.

Clifton won the Team Player Award and Block received the team's Hustle Award. Block and Bauman made the all-Section 1 team with Berg and Heinzerling named to the all-section section second team.

With the nail-biter of a 2013 now in his rear view mirror, Coach Paul Sorensen said he is optimistic about his team's chances in 2014 and beyond.

Dan Block: Hustle Award winner (photo by Jim Lindquist)

"Our crop of talent is becoming deeper at every position thanks to Tony Grengs and our strengthened youth program," he said. "Our players realize now that lacrosse is a 365-day sport and are putting in the required time to better their understanding of the game and sharpening their skill sets. Making the varsity next year will be the toughest it has been."

While Sorensen said he feels his young program is developing nicely, he added that the road ahead will also get rougher as Farmington prepares to move to the rugged South Suburban Conference in 2014-15.

"It's no secret that the South Suburban showcases some of the best overall lacrosse talent in the the state," he said. 'We'll need to to be prepared mentally and physically for that challenge."

But the move to the South Suburban is still a year away and Sorensen and his Tigers have a special final year in the Missota Conference ahead, one that will recognize lacrosse as an official league sport for the first time.

"Chanhassen and Chaska are splitting their teams and Northfield will be adding lacrosse," Sorensen said. "With Holy Angels that will make five conference teams. That's very exciting for us."

Boys Lacrosse: Tigers out in section quarterfinals

Matt Heinzerling 19 saves in season finale (photo by Jim Lindquist)

Rochester Century squeaked by the Tigers 7-6 in the second game of the 2013 regular season in Rochester.

That victory undoubtedly led to the Panthers gaining the No. 4 seed and home field advantage in  Tuesday night's rematch in the Section 1 quarterfinals.

Fifth-seeded Farmington put together an inspiring 5-2 second half run but could not overcome a four-goal halftime deficit in another heart-breaker, this one by a 9-8 count.

The one-goal loss was the fifth time this season Farmington came up a goal short.

The teams battled through an offensive-minded first period that saw the Panthers forge a 4-3 lead. The second period proved to be the back-breaker as Century added three more scores while keeping the Tigers off the board.

Jake Bauman returned to the Tiger lineup and along with Garrett Gunderson had two goals and an assist to lead the Farmington attack. Chris Fitzgibbons also scored twice in the season-ending contest.

Dan Block scored a goal and added two assists. Brendan Berg, the team's leading scorer during the regular season with 58 points, finished with a goal and an assist and Kevin Clifton added an assist.

Goalkeeper Matt Heinzerling faced 28 shots in the contest, finishing with 19 saves.

The Tigers finished the 2013 campaign with a 8-6 record, their second straight season above the .500 mark.

Jake Bauman 2 goals, assist (photo by Jim Lindquist)