The Nanaimo Timbermen enjoy the feeling of being in first place, but they know they have their work cut out for them if they want to stay there.
The senior A lacrosse team, after sweeping the Victoria Shamrocks last weekend to start the season, is getting ready for its next game Sunday (May 31) against the New Westminster Salmonbellies.
Cayle Ratcliff, captain of the T-men, said his team expected to be a contender in the Western Lacrosse Association this year, so two wins don’t really change the mindset.
“[Last] weekend was two very hard-fought team wins and we’ve got to continue to do that…” he said. “As good as we played in those two games and battled, there’s still lots of room for improvement and we’re going to continue to jell as a unit. We’re not where we need to be, but we’re definitely in the right direction. We’re just getting started. We’re going to keep going.”
Brody Eastwood, T-men forward, said the team won’t focus on what’s happened, but what’s yet to happen.
“We’ve got two wins, but it’s a long season ahead. We’ve got to keep going forward, keep working in practice, keep getting better, keep being hungry,” he said.
Coach Kaleb Toth said when a team is on a losing skid it’s important not to get too low, and when on a win streak it’s important not to get too high.
“Don’t think you’re better than you really are,” he said. “We won those games [last weekend] from hard work and we have to continue to do that or else we’re not going to continue to win.”
GAME ON … The Timbermen and the Salmonbellies play Sunday at 7 p.m. at Frank Crane Arena. Tickets, $12 for adults and $10 for seniors and students, will be available at the door. Kids 12 and under will be admitted free.
sports@nanaimobulletin.com
Lost in the excitement of the @Tmenlax wins – new jerseys. A touch of plaid; I think they look sharp. @UniWatch pic.twitter.com/xcUlfNWvU2
— Greg Sakaki (@BulletinSports) May 25, 2015