Head Coach Michael Rosenow takes advantage of a welcome reprieve between quarters to affirm the team’s passing prowess and strong offensive game. Standout Hargather (23) is ready to get back out there while K. Parton (51) & others take a much-needed knee. Photo by Vanessa Richardson
First year and youngest player D. Rosenow (72) readies for a strong lateral pivot while keeping his ‘head on a swivel’ to pursue a ground ball. Photo by Vanessa Richardson
Los Alamos Youth Lacrosse News:
As of this past Easter weekend, the Los Alamos Youth Lacrosse (LAYLAX) teams are more than halfway through their 2025 season, which began March 3. The U10 team competed in their first tournament of the season March 29 at Balloon Fiesta Park, followed by our home opener tournament at Overlook Park April 12.
During the season opener tourney in Albuquerque our LAYLAX youth Hilltoppers presented formidable fronts against perennial powerhouse the Duke City Bears. Sadly, the always physical and great competitors, El Paso Stars, were unable to assemble a U10 team this season. But it might have been lucky for them as our U10 toppers showed an early season dominance against the equally young U10 Bears in a two-game lopsided combined score differential of 24-9.
Team highlights include a higher than expected attempted and successful passing rate as well as ALL athletes having scored by the end of the tournament, sans goalie. This level of play took several tournaments in previous years. An obvious benefit is a decent component of the team being multi-sport athletes, namely ice hockey. An example was a strong contribution from David Hargather, first year player, who displayed a high degree of passing, cradling and speed on the grass.
An instinctive lacrosse IQ was demonstrated by first year brothers Ronan and Korbin Parton, who not only passed from behind the net setting up some impressive goals but also displayed spatial awareness by minding the out of bounds and shovel passing under high pressure scenarios.
Brian Cardon stepped up in the crease for his first ever stab a goalie, blocking a few fast ones with efficient clears to nearby defenders Conner Komathy and Steven Richardson. Our youngest player, Devlin Rosenow, scored their first goals that weekend, a high achievement for someone who first picked up a lacrosse stick a mere 3-4 weeks prior.
Assistant Coach Jennifer Martinez made the following comment, “Our team has made remarkable progress this season. With only two returning players, the remaining seven are brand new to the sport. Despite their inexperience, each athlete has shown strong dedication, a willingness to learn, and a true enthusiasm for the game. We’re proud of how far they’ve come and excited for what lies ahead.”
Head Coach Michael Rosenow commented on the team’s rapid progression during the first 3 weeks of practice, “Our boys were able to translate their focus and effort from practices to the game field by consistently executing commanding ball possession and a dominant ground game. Seventy-eight percent of our team has never cradled or scooped a lacrosse ball until just a few weeks ago. In our first tournament nearly, everyone was able to score, which is a huge confidence boost for our team!”
The ABQ tournament and following weekend hiatus from games, prepped our athletes for a timely rematch against the Bears during our home opener at Overlook Park April 12. Under sunny skies and a pleasant breeze our Toppers beat the Bears in another show of force with a combined 29-9 in two back-to-back battles. Of note was the rapid advancement of the dynamic duo of Brian Cordon and Steven Richardson who connected on several clutch passes resulting in multiple points. Second year goalie, Elijah Martinez contributed solidly to the lop-sided result while the only other returning player from last season, Rhys Rosenow, stepped in as backup goalie and became the first 10U goalie of the season to break out of the crease to snipe a greaser past a flummoxed Duke Bear goalie.
For the third game, all athletes were combined and randomized into two teams, dark vs. light, to mix things up. While the coaches struggled, humorously in some instances by cheering for their player who happened to be on the other team, the players quickly adapted and the teams ironically were quite evenly matched, resulting in a close 8-6 final score. Three back-to-back games under cloudless skies began to take its toll on both teams, but the brief intermissions were made more enjoyable by local Bagpiper, Keith Dauson, who cranked out a nice medley including Chariots of Fire among other inspirational jams.
Your U10 Youth Lacrosse Hilltoppers head to the Santa Fe Jamboree this weekend for their season opener, which will bring in powerhouse teams from Pueblo and Salida. “This will be our first big test this season,” Assistant Coach Antonio Martinez said, “as the Colorado teams have been historically quite skilled and physical.”
If you’re looking for an exhilarating spectator experience, swing by the Santa Fe Rugby pitch at 205 Caja Del Rio Road, Santa Fe, NM 87507 this weekend. U10 to U14 co-ed teams as well as the inaugural girls’ team will be competing over the course of two days. The four U10 teams will play two championship games to determine who reigns supremely, currently scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday, April 27. For full details check out the Los Alamos Youth Lacrosse page https://www.laylax.org/ and for last minute updates to the Santa Fe Jamboree schedule, visit https://www.sflax.org/news/santa-fe-jamboree-schedule/20307.
Hargather (23) is about to make sure Duke Bear Captain (37) regrets his wicked single-handed catch by poke checking immediately following this photo causing a welcome turnover while additional Bears look on in amazement. Photo by Vanessa Richardson
First year strong contributor, S. Richardson cradles like a boss outpacing a Bear defender and celebrates after a vicious goalie burner in game 1. Photo by Vanessa Richardson
First year strong contributor, S. Richardson cradles like a boss outpacing a Bear defender and celebrates after a vicious goalie burner in game 1. Photo by Vanessa Richardson
K. Parton battles for a loose ball while Hargather patiently waits for possession, but eager to assist in this game two mini-scrum. Photo by Vanessa Richardson