AYLL Lacrosse Cactus Cup 2011

Grab a broom, Cuz it was a sweep!  4-0.  Great day of Lacrosse for the North Valley Predators.
This was a fun day to spend hanging and watching my boys.  It was beautiful - nearly 80 degrees. 

When we were getting in the car at 7am to head to Mesa by 8, I said, "Do you guys have all of your stuff?" To which I received very sassy responses, as if they were offended that I would ask. WHATEVER! So an hour later, when we pull up to the Red Mountain Soccer Complex an hour later, Tanner discovers he didn't bring his stick. His defense stick (which is longer and different than normal sticks.) So I debated my options: 1) drive back home (pro: he has his stick, Con: I won't be able to get there and back in time for the game), 2) Go buy a stick (pro: I could likely get one close. Trevor will need a D-stick eventually anyway, Con: $$$, sports didn't open until 9, no guarantees that the Dick's sporting goods in Mesa carries Lacrosse gear, If I buy from the promotional tent at the tourney it will be $$$$$$, the net pocket needs to be stretched out or catching and throwing is very difficult.) 3) Use the team stick (Pro: no $$$, no running all over. Con: it is shorter than he is use to). In the end, one of the coaches had an extra D-stick he had brought. He changed the head on it and let Tann use it for the first game. I also called Timm and he brought Tanner's stick down in time for game 2.  And he got to watch the second game and grab lunch with us.  So it all worked out.

Game 1 - North Valley Predators vs the Heat - WIN!!!
Awesome way to start a long day of Lacrosse! 

Game 2 - North Valley Predators vs the Wildcats - WIN!!!

This was an awesome win.  When we played this team during the season, one of the dads on their team was SOO mean.  He would scream things at specific players on our team and things escalated both on the field and off.  Pretty disappointing behavior from a parent.  It ended up that we beat them at our field.  And, although we provided a BBQ lunch and invited their team to eat (as we do at all of our home games), they refused and left. (good riddance!)

So this time around we beat them soundly, luckily without incident this time, although that man was still obnoxious.  SCOREBOARD! :)

Game 3 - North Valley Predators vs the Storm - WIN!!!

This game was closer than it should have been. It took us a second to get our groove back after lunch. Cool side note, we got a fly over of old war planes. Tanner loves that stuff!

Game 4 - North Valley Predators vs. the Oro Valley Predators - WIN!!This team had never won a game.  So our coaches changed up the positions for our team and gave back ups an opportunity to play - which is cool.  However, at the point where OV took the lead, he put in our heavy scores (although he left in our back up goalie - which was tough to watch.)  They quickly turned the tides and we ended up winning by one.

I am so pleased with the experience both Trevor and Tanner have had this year.  Tanner has gained so much confidence and made friends.  It was great to see him blossom.

Trevor has challenged himself.  It wasn't always easy for him.  He hasn't played football or anything nearly as physical or demanding as lacrosse and he played with a huge heart and learned a ton.  I am excited for next year.
He doesn't get much of a rest though - his baseball season has already started.  His first game was on Monday.  It's always fun to watch baseball, but not nearly as exciting as lacrosse. :)