Saline Varsity and JV Lacrosse Secure Back-to-Back Wins
Saline, MI – April 11–12, 2025 – It was a strong weekend for Saline Lacrosse as both the varsity and JV squads picked up hard-earned wins. The varsity team delivered a statement victory over Skyline at home Friday night, while the JV squad followed up with a disciplined performance on the road Saturday, defeating De La Salle.
Varsity Tops Skyline 10–5 in Statement SEC Win
After two losses to Skyline last season, the Hornets took the field Friday with focus and energy, earning a 10–5 win and improving to 4–1 on the season. Skyline scored in the opening minute, but Saline answered quickly and never trailed again.
Senior Jack Scarpati connected with sophomore Nolan Heath for Saline’s first goal at the 7:30 mark, tying the game. Shortly after, Garrett Male forced a turnover on a clear and found Rylan Stanton for a finish that gave Saline the lead. The Hornets would go on to outscore Skyline 4–1 in the first quarter, thanks to unselfish ball movement and quick decision-making.
Heath led the offense with two goals and four assists. Jon Jon Ohren-Hoeft also had two goals and two assists, Male scored twice and added an assist, Jack Fate recorded one goal and two assists, Stanton finished with two goals, and Scarpati added a goal and an assist. One of the smoothest sequences came in the second quarter when Stanton fed Fate, who quickly moved the ball to Male for a clean finish that pushed the score to 5–2. That same combination returned for Saline’s final goal of the night, closing out the win at 10–4 before Skyline added a late score.
On the defensive end, Dylan Delaney, Wyatt Page, and Ian Theisen handled the bulk of close defense duties for Saline, with Michael Aeschliman rotating in during the second half and breaking up a wraparound attempt that led to a key possession shift. Delaney and Page continue to bring an aggressive, intelligent style of defense; both are quick to read developing plays and aren’t afraid to pressure and harass ball carriers. Page’s ability to anticipate and create transition opportunities continues to make an impact as his role expands. Theisen contributed key stops and positioning throughout the game.
At long-stick middie, Jack Nichols and Jacob Bengle set the tone with speed and intensity. Bengle was especially effective in tracking down ball carriers and creating turnovers in the middle of the field, while Nichol’s hustle in transition helped keep Saline on the front foot. Coleman Ross, playing as a defensive middie, added physicality and edge in one-on-one matchups, giving the Hornets toughness across all lines.
At the faceoff, Braylon Thomas took the majority of draws with support from wings Nichols and Logan Kipley. The trio helped Saline maintain possession and control tempo. Goalie Owen Belote recorded 13 saves and was sharp in transition, sparking several offensive pushes off clears.
Skyline and Saline will meet again on April 28, but Friday’s performance showed just how far this year’s team has come playing smart, connected lacrosse on both ends of the field.
JV Defeats De La Salle 5–2 on the Road
With no JV game scheduled against Skyline, the Hornets traveled to take on De La Salle on Saturday. The game was tied 1–1 at halftime, with Graham Murphy-Vanberkum scoring off a pass from Archie Gates in the first half.
Brecken Harcourt played the full game in goal, making nine saves and anchoring a defense that stepped up big despite limited numbers due to the last-minute schedule change. His composure and awareness were critical in keeping De La Salle off the scoreboard in key moments.
Jack Alexander gave the Hornets a 2–1 lead with a strong finish, followed by a goal from Fourie Dreyer on another assist from Gates. Cooper House added a sharp wraparound goal, and Gates connected with Dreyer again for the final score.
The 5–2 win was a great display of composure and teamwork, with solid goaltending and smart passing leading the way.
Saline Lacrosse is back in action this week as both teams continue SEC play. JV & Varsity will take on Pioneer next, looking to carry their momentum into a key matchup.
Follow along on Instagram (@saline_lax) and Facebook (Saline HS Boys Lacrosse) for highlights, recaps, and team updates all season long.
JV Dominates, Varsity Battles in Saline Lacrosse Home Opener vs. Bedford
Saline, MI – April 7, 2025 – The Saline Boys Lacrosse program hosted Bedford for their first home games of the season on Monday night. The JV squad rolled to a confident win, while the Varsity team fell just short in a physical, fast-paced matchup.
JV Hornets Roll to 12–4 Victory
The JV team continued their strong start to the season with a commanding 12–4 win over Bedford, thanks to balanced scoring and a steady team effort on both ends of the field.
Graham Murphy-Vanberkum (#7) and Fourie Dreyer (#9) opened the scoring in the first quarter, followed by goals from Archie Gates (#4) and Graham again in the second.
Goalies Gabe Elekonich (#24) and Brecken Harcourt (#28) both did a great job in net, combining to hold Bedford to just four goals total. Their effort along with consistent defensive play helped preserve the lead and keep momentum in Saline’s favor.
The third quarter saw a burst of offensive firepower. Dreyer scored again to open the half, followed by goals from Gates, Jack Alexander (#3), and Cooper House (#23). Dreyer struck again at the end of the quarter, bringing his total to three goals on the night. Saline closed the fourth with goals from Noah Ciazza (#36), House again, and Levi Choby (#27).
With energy, teamwork, and depth across the lineup, the JV Hornets continue to build confidence and chemistry early in the season.
Varsity Falls 10–8 in Hard-Fought Battle
In the varsity game, Saline dropped their first contest of the season with a tough 10–8 loss to Bedford, bringing their record to 3–1.
Nolan Heath led the Hornets with 3 goals and 4 assists, delivering precise, well-timed passes that created multiple scoring opportunities. Jack Scarpati scored two beautiful goals, showcasing skill and composure under pressure. Jon Jon Ohren-Hoeft added a goal, with Garrett Male and Jack Fate each contributing one as well. Fate also notched an assist. Rylan Stanton had a shot on goal and brought a calm, steady presence to the offense, helping maintain movement and structure throughout the game.
The game was tied 2–2 after the first quarter, and Bedford led 4–3 at halftime. A five-goal third quarter by Bedford gave them the separation they needed. Saline battled back in the fourth with three goals but couldn’t close the gap.
Faceoffs were a challenge, with Bedford winning 17 of 22 draws and controlling possession through key stretches.
Wyatt Page led the defense with 6 ground balls, took on LSM duties, stepped in for faceoffs when needed, and helped push transition play. With senior Drew Soupal still out, the defense continues to adapt and hold strong.
Goalie Owen Belote recorded 10 saves, keeping Saline within reach and making several key stops down the stretch.
“We had some penalties that killed momentum, forcing our team to go man-down too often, as well as a bad sub that wiped off a goal,” said Head Coach Ty McGuire. “Overall, Bedford played cleaner, smarter, and with more consistent energy than we did.”
The Hornets look to regroup and build on early-season lessons as they prepare for their next matchup.
Saline Boys Lacrosse Outlasts Plymouth Salem to Stay Undefeated
Plymouth, MI – April 4, 2025 – The Saline High School Boys Varsity Lacrosse team overcame an early deficit and a dramatic end to the first half to earn a hard-fought 10-7 road win over Plymouth Salem, improving to 3-0 on the season.
Sophomore Nolan Heath led the charge once again with a dominant performance, scoring 5 goals and adding 3 assists. Senior Jon Jon Ohren-Hoeft tallied 2 goals, while sophomore Garrett Male added 2 more. Sophomore Jack Fate chipped in with a goal, and senior Jack Scarpatti notched an assist.
Although Scarpatti, Rylan Stanton, and Jonah Strok didn’t find the net, their hustle and offensive execution were crucial in creating scoring opportunities and keeping constant pressure on Salem’s defense.
Braylon Thomas continued his strong season at the faceoff X, winning 11 of 17 draws and adding an assist. His improvement at the position has been a difference-maker in Saline’s ability to control tempo and momentum.
After falling behind 2-1 in the first quarter, the Hornets battled back to tie the game at 5-5 late in the second. But with just 1.5 seconds left in the half, Salem capitalized on a final possession to take a 6-5 lead into the break, swinging momentum their way just before the horn.
Saline responded with grit and intensity. The defense locked down the second half, allowing just one goal, while the offense surged ahead—outscoring Salem 5-1 over the final two quarters to seal the win.
With senior Drew Soupal sidelined, junior Ian Theisen stepped into the starting defense alongside senior Dylan Delaney and sophomore Wyatt Page, forming a strong, disciplined back line that shut down Salem’s second-half attack. A key turning point came in the third quarter when long-stick middie Jacob Bengle forced a turnover at a 6-6 tie, leading to a fast-break goal from Heath to give Saline the lead. Wyatt Page made several key defensive stops and successfully transitioned the ball upfield, setting up critical offensive possessions. Jack Nichols continued his standout performance at LSM, applying pressure in the midfield and disrupting Salem’s rhythm.
Goalie Owen Belote added another strong outing with 12 saves, helping preserve the lead as Saline pulled away in the second half.
The Hornets return home for their first home game on April 7 vs Bedford at Hornet Stadium. With momentum, chemistry, and depth all trending in the right direction, Saline is showing it has what it takes to compete at a high level this spring.
Follow the team on Instagram (@saline_lax) and Facebook (Saline HS Boys Lacrosse) for schedule updates, highlights, and more.
