Defensive Breakdowns Hamper Howell LAX

In their game against the Wall Knights on Wednesday afternoon, the Howell boys lacrosse team was looking to continue what has been a successful season. But as the first half wound down, it became clear that the Rebels were not meant to emerge victorious in the game.

It was during the second period, holding a two goal lead that the Howell squad let up seven quick goals to trail 8-4 heading into the half. The deficit proved to be too much as Wall went on to win 14-6.

"We have team wins and team losses," said Howell head coach Derek Reichenbecher. "This was definitely a team loss. (Wall) brought a lot of energy which you have to tip your cap to them after they had a tough game yesterday."

Despite the loss, it was not the game play itself that frustrated Reichenbecher the most.

"We faced some adversity at the end of the second quarter and we did not handle it well, that is what disappointed me most. We needed to stick together."

After seven straight Wall goals in the second quarter, Howell answered back with 26 seconds left in the half. Rob Hart found an open Alec Dambach who scored to trim the Wall to 8-4 and briefly gave the Rebels confidence going into the half; which was needed after being out shot 14-8 in the first two frames.

Howell pushed hard to open the third quarter and got within three goals twice. Dambach found Ryan King who scored a minute into the quarter. Shortly after, King found Tyler Ott in front who ripped a shot that beat the Wall goaltender. Ott's goal made the score 9-6 with 8:29 to play in the third, little did the Rebels know it would be their final tally.

Wall answered 30 seconds later and scored two more times in the third to hold a 12-6 lead after three quarters before coasting in the fourth to an eight goal victory.

Alec Dambach once again led he Rebels with three goals and two assists. For his part, King looked impressive scoring with four points, including two goals. The rebels also got contributions from two of their senior leaders in Tyler Ott and Rob Hart who had a goal and assist, respectively.

The loss drops Howell to 6-4 overall and 1-4 in their last five, after a 5-0 start.

"When we were 5-0 we knew we were still going to be playing some good teams," said Reichenbecher "We still need to put together 48 solid minutes."

The Rebelss will have little time to re-group as Colts Neck comes into town on Friday at 6:00.

"No rest for the wicked," said Reichenbecher, "It's one game at a time, (Colts Neck) has a great program, this is really going to test how resilient we are."