Johnson's Seven Goals Lead Bellevue Over Northshore 16-6 HIGHLIGHTS

In a contest much closer than indicated by the final score, the Bellevue Wolverines defeated Northshore 16-6, behind seven goals from Sophomore Cole Johnson.  Prior to the first face-off Northshore head coach Steve Wisman was honored.  A long staple in the Bellevue lacrosse family and alumnus of the program, a special tribute was dedicated to him and his contribution to northwest lacrosse.  Well wishes Steve!

Northshore's rough and ready defense frustrated the Wolverines in the first quarter. Aggressive midfield pressure to the edge of the box prevented any serious penetration or scoring opportunities early on. Finally freshman Hank Bethke (3g, 4a) fed Cole Johnson (7g, 1A) for a left-handed score past Northshore keeper Kevin Luo. Minutes later Johnson returned the favor to Bethke and the Wolverines were up 2-0. Midfielder Eric Haehl, asked to step up to cover injuries, added some hard rips from the outside and Bethke dodged his way to a first half hat trick. Constant double-teams on midfielder Foster Wisman (4g, 4gb) and good defensive stick skills kept Northshore scrambling for good shot selection. Bellevue's goalie Austin Boyd stopped the first six shots he faced and the first half ended with the Wolverines up 6-1.

Pressure from Wisman finally boiled over in the second half, as the RIT-bound senior threatened the structural integrity of the Bellevue nets. Using his big body to own the top of the crease, Wisman took feeds from his mates and laced them past Boyd for two goals. When forced outside, he peppered Boyd with missiles, including a rip from 14 yards that stung the back of the net.

Bellevue, saddled with a slew of fresh injuries, was down several key players. Simon Jenkin (2g) carried the load at faceoff for the Wolverines and had a successful night winning 19 of 25 contests. The extra possessions served Bellevue well as they dominated the time of possession, constantly forcing Northshore's tough defense to perform. As the second half progressed the Northshore middies began to tire and Bellevue was able to focus the action deeper into the offensive zone. Ten second half goals, six of which were from Johnson, let the Wolverines put the game away early in the 4th quarter. Alex Bus added two for Northshore as the Senior Captain continues to evolve as part of a formidable tandem with Wisman.

Battling for a playoff spot in the Northeast Conference, things don't get any easier for Northshore as they host Mercer Island Friday night. The Wolverines travel to Bainbridge Island for a non-league game that should prove to be one of the season's best tests.

Game Highlights

Northshore

Foster Wisman (4g, 4gb)

Kevin Luo - 8 saves

Bellevue

Cole Johnson (7g, 1a)

Austin Boyd - 10 saves

Game Highlights