Randolph Boys Clipped By Mountain Lakes in Back and Forth Battle

RANDOLPH, NJ- The Randolph boys lacrosse team battled an annual state powerhouse in Mountain Lakes at home on DaSilva Field in Randolph on Saturday, April 27.  The Rams valiantly fought the NJ.com's No. 12 ranked Lakers down to the wire before falling in a close contest by a 6-4 score.  ( link to game photos at end of story )

The teams opened the game with relatively even play, scoring twice each in the first quarter, with Mark Manolis getting both of the Rams tallies. The Lakers then took a 3-2 lead into halftime. The Rams got a goal from Thomas Doto to knot things up at three apiece early in the third, when the Rams' midfielder made a strong move from the right side to beat his man, scoring from point-blank range.  But the Lakers answered with two quick goals to take a 5-3 lead into the fourth.

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Things got interesting when Rams captain Jake Weiner scored from the left crease after a strong rush from behind the net to make it a one-goal game at 5-4 early in the fourth.  But Mountain Lakes responded once again to restore their two-goal lead.  The Rams had a chance late to make a push when they had a 2-minute man advantage at the five-minute mark, but some good Lakers defense forced turnovers and prevented any good scoring chances.

Shots were relatively even in the game, with Randolph firing 17 on net to 19 for the Lakers. The loss stopped a three-game win streak for Randolph, who had recently bested Roxbury, Pope John, and Glen Ridge. Randolph plays next against West Essex, at home on Tuesday, April 30 at 4:30 PM. For game photos CLICK HERE

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