CAMAS — Facing an opponent from Spokane, there was a certain amount of mystery for Union Lacrosse entering its state semifinal match on Wednesday.
But there was no secret how Union earned its first trip to the Washington High School Boys Lacrosse Association Division II finals.
“We have a really talented bunch of kids. It’s just a matter of whether they’re thinking too much or whether they just go out and play,” Union coach Tim Goodspeed said. “When they go out and play they do really well.”
Union did plenty of playing on Wednesday to beat Gonzaga Prep 20-8 in a semifinal match at Camas High School’s Cardon Field.
Union (15-4) advances to play Richland for the title. The championship match is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. on Saturday at Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila.
Started in 2012, the Union program draws from around the Evergreen Public Schools boundary.
“Starting from a team that didn’t have enough kids for a JV team, now four years later were going to the state championship. It means a lot for the guys who have been here for a while,” said Cole Smetana, a team captain and one of six seniors on a young Union squad.
A six-goal second quarter put Union in control by halftime with an 11-3 lead. Goalie Dominic Mendez finished with 12 saves to help keep Union comfortably in front.
Cayden Thompson had four goals and two assists and Parker Lindhorst three goals and five assists to lead Union’s attack. Ben Morasch, Nathan Lindqist, Isaiah Pratt, Jarad McKinney, Sam Rink and Jon Stell each scored multiple goals.
Morasch, also a senior captain, said four losses to tough nonleague opponents helped prepare Union.
“Our motivation to get better and not be satisfied with where we were. That’s what got us where we are,” Morasch said.
