At first glance, the start of the new season could not have gone any worse for rookie Westminster boys lacrosse coach Mike Flemming.
After failing to capture a win in his first two games, the Owls’ season took a deeper hit with All-County returners Max Johnson and Austin Hardesty suffering injuries.
Facing the prospects of an extended losing streak and needing players to step up and fill big shoes, Flemming never got worried. He knew the type program he was building.
“We’re just looking to build grit,” Flemming said. “It’s something that Westminster has been known for, so as long as we do that, I’m always going to be happy and proud of the boys.”
Jack Hitchcock was won of several who answered the call Thursday night. The sophomore stepped up, notching a hat trick as the Owls defeated Liberty, 10-1.
“I was in a rut for those first couple of games,” he said. “I just worked hard in practice and came out firing on game day.”
Hitchcock did all of his damage on the back end, as the duo of Gavin Gifford and Chase Zepp helped the team jump out to an early, commanding lead. Zepp, who scored two goals of his own, also assisted on three of Westminster four first-half goals. Two of those assists went to Gifford, who showcased his ability to score as well.
“It was great to see Gavin Gifford step up and have a day,” Flemming said. “Chase has been out there leading us, and for Jack to get on track, that was actually a big game for him and his confidence.”
The Owls were just as dominant defensively as the Lions were frustrated all night trying to get one in the net. Goalie Connor McNamara was brilliant, only allowing the one goal. In front of him, the Owls seemingly picked up every ground ball, controlling possessions and leaving the Lions scrambling.
March 28, 2024 Westminster #3, Jack Hitchcock, shoots on a waiting Liberty Goalie, #24, Jamison Eder. Westminster Boys Lacrosse at Liberty. March 28, 2024 (Chris Berry/ Freelance Photographer)
Westminster's Tyler Warehime, right, scoops up a ground ball and tries to get away from Libery's Brent Simms during Thursday's game. (Chris Berry/ Freelance )
March 28, 2024 Liberty #13, Jonas Blattau, ends up on the ground surrounded by Westminster offensive players during a scamble for a ball. Westminster Boys Lacrosse at Liberty. March 28, 2024 (Chris Berry/ Freelance Photographer)
March 28, 2024 Westminster #5, Tyler Warehime, tries to manuever from behind the goal closely mirrored by a Liberty defender. Westminster Boys Lacrosse at Liberty. March 28, 2024 (Chris Berry/ Freelance Photographer)
March 28, 2024 Liberty #4, Mason Ambrose, takes a shot on goal in the third period that just misses it's mark. Westminster Boys Lacrosse at Liberty. March 28, 2024 (Chris Berry/ Freelance Photographer)
March 28, 2024 Liberty #21, Nico Marsicano, chases down a ball near mid-field with Westminster #20, Nick Compher, slowing him down. Westminster Boys Lacrosse at Liberty. March 28, 2024 (Chris Berry/ Freelance Photographer)
March 28, 2024 Liberty #6, Riley Wicklein, moves the ball from behind the net to a waiting team mate to set up an offensive attack in the second half. Westminster Boys Lacrosse at Liberty. March 28, 2024 (Chris Berry/ Freelance Photographer)
March 28, 2024 Liberty #4, Mason Ambrose, wins the battle for a ball surrounded by Westminster defenders #2, Jacob Spekel and #27, Wyatt McNamasco. Westminster Boys Lacrosse at Liberty. March 28, 2024 (Chris Berry/ Freelance Photographer)
March 28, 2024 Liberty #22, Ethan Addison, takes a shot over Westminster defender #6, Ronan Kochs. Westminster Boys Lacrosse at Liberty. March 28, 2024 (Chris Berry/ Freelance Photographer)
March 28, 2024 Liberty Goalie, #24, Jamison Eder is all over the goal attemot of Westminster #4, Noah Pasley. Westminster Boys Lacrosse at Liberty. March 28, 2024 (Chris Berry/ Freelance Photographer)
March 28, 2024 Westminster #4, Mason Ambrose, is pushed in the back by a Liberty defender during his shot on goal which lands him on the ground. Westminster Boys Lacrosse at Liberty. March 28, 2024 (Chris Berry/ Freelance Photographer)
March 28, 2024 Westminster #32, Gavin Gifford, fires a laser by a ducking team mate and a diving Liberty defender, #21, Nico Marsicano. Westminster Boys Lacrosse at Liberty. March 28, 2024 (Chris Berry/ Freelance Photographer)
March 28, 2024 It's a scramble for a loose ball by a group of Westminster and Liberty players with Liberty's #15, Kevin Kern coming away with the ball. Westminster Boys Lacrosse at Liberty. March 28, 2024 (Chris Berry/ Freelance Photographer)
March 28, 2024 Westminster Goalie #30, Connor McNamasco, locks down a ball in front of his goal with Liberty Attacker #1, Vincent Downey, on top of him. Westminster Boys Lacrosse at Liberty. March 28, 2024 (Chris Berry/ Freelance Photographer)
Thursday’s was Flemming’s first win since taking over the Westminster program from long-time coach Steve DeFeo. His players were excited to help him check off that milestone.
“He brings a lot of new things to the table switching up defenses or trying a bunch of different stuff and it’s working,” Gifford said. “He’s an awesome coach, we all trust him a lot.”
With the first win of the season and of the Flemming era checked off the list, the Owls can move forward knowing they’re working toward being that complete gritty team the coach wants to build. The hope is Hardesty and Johnson will return later in the season, and when they do, they will rejoin a more experienced and confident group. Flemming’s first win came with a new look at the potential of a team that was already projected to make noise countywide.
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