The Estevan Harris Oilfield senior Impact Lacrosse team finished the regular season with losses against the Regina Heat.
They fell 24-3 on June 20, and dropped a 17-4 decision on June 21.
In the Impacts first game it was a test of character, coach Jody Harris said
“It’s not easy when you play theses strong teams and continue to lose. You have to find the positives and keep going on them,” she said.
Even though the game didn’t go as the Impact had planned Harris said the team never gave up.
“That’s one thing I got to give credit to these guys, we had a minor glitch on Saturday, but, typically they give it their all, regardless of the score,” said Harris.
She added Regina scored 27 seconds into the game, but didn’t score until seven minutes later as Estevan was playing well, defensively.
In the game on June 21, Harris said the team played much better.
“We played a full 60 minutes. We created some offence, but the biggest thing is we still need to minimize our losses. We need to quit throwing the ball away and just giving it back to them for another 30 seconds on the clock,” said Harris.
She was also impressed with the effort from the Impact.
“We forced them to use the 30 second shot clock and turn it over to us. Those are huge and … we won several loose ball battles, so that’s something the team is definitely getting a lot better at,” said Harris.
Estevan finished in the bottom of the four team league and will face the first place Saskatoon Brewers in the first round of the playoffs on June 27, in Saskatoon.
Going into the game, Harris said the defence will be solid for the Impact as Chad Hinkson and Colin Fogarty along with other players have played that position well throughout the season.
Also, she mentioned team chemistry is key to being successful against the Brewers.
“The guys have been practising and playing with each other long enough that the chemistry is there now,” said Harris.
Harris has noticed that throughout the season the team has improved and if they implement what they learned over the season it will help them during the playoff match against the Brewers.
“I’m really impressed with this year, so if we can keep this core of 24 guys together for next year we’re going to even close that gap more,” said Harris.
