Boys Lax Defeats Hillsborough, Earns 500 Record

The Bridgewater-Raritan High School boys lacrosse team, ranked No. 10 by NJ.com, took on rival Hillsborough in a regular season game played Wednesday at home. The Panthers were looking to get another game in the win column against their neighbor to the South after a loss Monday to undefeated No. 3 ranked Moorestown—the Panthers got the win this time to get back to a 500 record.

The reigning two-time Tournament of Champions champion Panthers are making the transition into 2013 with essentially a new team.

"We have a new bunch of kids and we are finding our way," said Bridgewater head coach Chuck Apel. "We are learning as we go and we are playing some young kids and are struggling in some spots."

The Panthers took the offensive from the start Wednesday, scoring four goals in the first quarter, three of those from Griffen Figel. Held scoreless in the second quarter, Bridgewater came back in the second half, getting a goal from Cody Ruperto, another from Figel and one from Richie Lenskold. 

Goalie Don Stires had 16 saves for the Panthers.

The Raiders' four goals came with an interesting stat: all were unassisted. 

"Griffin Fidel played very well today, Brad Pietrucha played real well and so did Kevin Bergenty," Apel said. "And our goalie played very very well."  

"It is nice to win, we'll take it," Apel added. "We have done well and have been in all of our games. We are hoping to get better as the season goes on."

"They were pretty good," said Panther attacker Tyler Konen, who had an assist and seven shots on goal for the day. "I think we have a few close losses that I think we could of had. We need to get a few more ground balls and eventually we'll get better.  We are on a climb right now, we are starting to click and I think we are only getting better from here."

Up Next: Bridgewater will face Watchung Hills (3-2) at home Saturday at 11 a.m.