BSM at Chanhassen
In what may have been the most highly anticipated match up of the 2023 season, Benilde-St. Margaret’s traveled west to take on Chanhassen. This would be the second #1 versus #2 ranked matchup for the Red Knights, and the Storm’s first opportunity to take on the top team in the state.
While these teams will likely not meet again until the state title, this Metro West Conference matchup had much more on the line than your typical regular season game. Not only was the Metro West Conference title essentially on the line tonight, but the last time these two teams met, Chanhassen came out on top with a 11-10 win in OT.
BSM’s Max Miller faces of with Chan’s Joe Schmidt - Photo credit: JP Fischer
Despite the anticipation, the great crowd, and the nice weather, BSM seemed to take the wind out of the sails almost immediately. Scoring in transition, Junior attackman Dylan Parker (2G) started the night off. This goal was quicky followed by one the most momentum swinging goals in the lacrosse. Down a player early, BSM Sophomore defenseman Riley Murphy (1G) caused a turnover for the Chan man-up, nabbed his own ground ball, and took the ball all the way down the field and scoring, bringing the BSM lead to two early. This goal seemed to do everything to hype up the BSM sideline and fans.
BSM was quick to extend their lead out to 3, with Robbie Hoyt (1G) scoring his first of the night. However, Senior Chanhassen attackman Carter Van Holland (2G) was eager to remind everyone Chan was here to play. Coming from X, Van Holland channeled his inner Lyle Thompson, and scored a back-handed goal, placing it perfectly in the top corner. Easily my vote for goal of the year. This would bring the score to 3-1, where we would end the first quarter. Van Holland then scored again, quickly bringing the score to 3-2 early in the second.
Chanhassen’s Carter Van Holland looks to initiate the offense from X - Photo credit: JP Fischer
Unfortunately for the Chanhassen faithful, this is where the Red Knights would go on their most important run of the night. Starting with two goals from Junior midfielder Gus Bell (3G, 1A), BSM would go on a 6-goal run between the second and third quarters. These six goals would also come from 5 different goal scorers, including another pole goal from Senior LSM Caio Stephens (1G).
BSM’s Gus Bell scores his first goal of the night - Photo credit: JP Fischer
During this run, the BSM defense also showed their strength, creating all kinds of havoc for the Chanhassen offense. This was especially true on the Chan man-up. Despite multiple penalties on BSM, Chan was never able to get their man-up flowing, due mostly to multiple caused turnovers form the BSM man-down unit.
Despite the run, the Storm did not go down without a fight. After a huge goal from BSM Sophomore SSDM Raphael Johnson-Nixon (1G), Chanhassen faced a 12-3 deficit. With about 9-minutes remaining in the game, Junior midfielder Roman Schreiber (1G) started the Chan run, followed by one more from Junior attackman Adam Rosolanka (1G), bringing the score to 12-5. The Bush brothers (Daxton: 3G, Kade 1G, 2A) would then link up for two goals in quick succession, bringing the score to 12-7 with about 5 minutes remaining. However, this would be as close as BSM would allow the game to get, knotting one more, stretching their lead and sealing the victory.
Chanhassen’s Dax Bush dodges from behind the net - Photo credit: JP Fischer
Although the final score may not be as close as anticipated, these teams match up well, and the playoff atmosphere of this game certainly gave both squads the big game experience they will need come June. Benilde-St. Margaret’s (11-0, 5-0) takes on Centennial at home Saturday, May 20th in their next game. Chanhassen (9-1, 4-1) will travel north to take on Buffalo Thursday, May 18th for a Section 2 bout.
