Tiger Lacrosse falls to Kingwood Mustangs 

The up-and-down Tiger lacrosse season came to a halt last Saturday after the Kingwood Mustangs bounded them from the State Championships in the Super Regionals. The final score was 14-10. Kingwood moved on the Elite Eight and lost to Highland Park on Sunday.

The Tigers would strike first at 10:44 with a niffy goal by Junior Cristian Reno. It would be the first of the seven times he hit the back of the net. The game was back-and-forth until the 3rd quarter when the Mustangs outscored Drip 5-2. Junior Nic Austin had 2 goals and an assist. Senior Ryan Thomas also scored in his last game as a Tiger. Sophomore Alex Schlab’s domination at face off allowed the Tigers to claw with 2 goals in the 4th quarter. He was 16 of 19. Senior goalie Connor Mogen has 14 saves. 

“Every team but one finishes their season with a loss but that does not mean every team but one failed,” Tiger Head Coach Bill Cafferata said. “Of course, it didn’t end how we wanted it to. We chose to redefine success this season. Our success was defined by creating intentional adversity throughout the year and stepping up to it. We want to compete at the highest level in Texas lacrosse and that can’t be done without challenging ourselves to step up. We took a major step in that direction this year.”

Coach Cafferata awarded the team hammer to club president Chris Heinchon. The hammer is a team award for the person that does all the things that don’t make it into the box score. Heinchon ended his four years as president with his youngest son Logan graduating. During his tenure, Heinchon was instrumental in promoting the team from Division 2 to Division 1. The last two seasons ended with the Tigers advancing to the Elite 8 in 2018 and the final 12 this season. 

Drip will graduate five seniors, Ryan Thomas, Connor Mogen, Logan Heinchon, Giles Andrews and Jack Lennon. 

The season record for the team was 6-11, and 4-4 in district.

“Drip Lacrosse” will hold a fundraising Casino Night and silent auction on Friday May 17, from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., at the Caliterra Event Barn, 505 Wynnpage Drive. Proceeds will benefit the Tiger Lacrosse. For more information visit: dstigerslax.com.