by Nick Clingan

The Oakdale Bears boys’ lacrosse team have unfortunately finished their season with a loss in the playoffs to Linganore. Although the season did not end the way they were hoping, the Bears really made some huge steps in the right direction in becoming the program they have set out to be.

The Bears knocked off a local private school powerhouse, Good Counsel, in the first game of the playoffs, the score 4-3. This was the first “big win” Oakdale has had in program history.

Next, the Bears knocked off the Fallston Cougars 8-7, another Maryland powerhouse. Coming into that game as a sure underdog the Bears really opened some eyes.

The final win by the boys in the playoffs was against the Poolesville Falcons at home. The final score being 11-10 with a game winning shot from senior midfielder Will Houston.

The Bears came into the game without a doubt the higher skilled team, their amount of overall wins were better and state rank was better. Although, the bears did not come into this game focused and determined.

The Poolesville offense came out of the gates and immediately started pointing up points on the bears. Four players stood out for the Falcons more than anything: two UMBC commits (Jake Armstrong, and John Hetrick) as well as two other Division 2 lacrosse commits (Adam Branscome and Reid Patton).

All four pretty much made up the entire offense for Poolesville, but the four of them together was a pretty deadly weapon. “That was by far one of the best offenses we have seen all year; they all worked really well together,” said senior defender Matt Beveridge.

Although the Bears also packed a good offensive punch, led by Senior attackman Ryan Hayes who tallied 4 goals and 1 assist,they were also helped by Senior Will Houston and Junior Mcgarity Harper who combined for 4 goals as well.

Overall this season was a tough one to say goodbye to. A lot of these boys grew up together and have been playing lacrosse with each other since elementary school. It will certainly be a group of seniors that Oakdale will remember for a long time. The Bears finished the season (13-3) which is by far the most productive season they have had yet. The Bears will have a lot to build on next year but believe they again will have a successful season. “We have a lot of young talent that will step up next year. We will be fine,” said senior captain James Hoffman.