U11
The U11 Thunder lacrosse team met Juan de Fuca U11-3 on April 22 at Kerry Park Arena and improved in every way over their season opener on the weekend.
The team scored one more goal than their previous game and allowed two fewer. They looked to continue their upward trajectory on May 1 against Sanich U11-1 at Kerry Park Arena but ultimately fell once again. Owen Butlin was the player of the game and Emmery Turner was the loose ball lunatic.
A third chance at win No. 1 came on May 4 when the U11 squad visited Juan de Fuca U11-1. It was by far the best game of the season for the mostly first-year group and the team battled until the very end despite injuries and illness, and nearly stole the win. Instead, it was a 12-10 loss but a huge confidence-builder for the growing squad.
Parker Ketch was the team's player of the game, while Emma Spooner was the loose ball lunatic.
The U11 Thunder play next on May 11 at Juan de Fuca.
U13B
The U13 Thunder travelled to Comox on April 26 to meet the Wild and fell 5-9. Kohan Solecki was the team's MVP.
The team played Nanaimo the following afternoon and lost 6-5. Brodie West was the team's MVP. His sister Brynlee West was the MVP in the U13's 14-1 next game, a victory over Juan de Fuca U13B on Tuesday, April 29.
U17 B
The U17 Thunder squad played on May 4 at Peninsula and lost by a 4-3 score. Colton Haywood earned the team's MVP hard hat for his play. The team's next scheduled game isn't until May 30 at Juan de Fuca.
Junior B
The Jr. B Thunder played their first league game of the season on April 30 against the Westshore Bears at Kerry Park Arena. The 20-7 loss wasn't the result they wanted but rookie goalie Annika MacDonald kept the team in the game, stopping a whopping 62 shots.
The Thunder had two more chances over the weekend, visiting Oceanside and Campbell River on May 3 and May 4 respectively.
In the first game, Cowichan powered their way to an 11-10 victory over Oceanside in what coach Chris Claxton called a "character victory".
Despite the tired legs, in Campbell River the Thunder marched to a dominating 18-9 victory. Nate Akhurst exploded for eight goals while MacDonald stood tall in net for the win.
The Jr. B Thunder tested their mettle, playing host to the Nanaimo Timbermen on Monday night in their third game in as many nights. The score wasn't available at the Citizen's press time.
Senior C
The Rats travelled to Oceanside to meet the Sharks on April 27 and lost 9-4. Dale Darby, Isaiah McKinlay, Zack Delure, and Jared Meservia scored goals for the Rats.
The Rats were scheduled to play again on May 4 but the score wasn't available at the Citizen's press time.
Meanwhile, the Thunder visited the Snuneymuxw Sun Devils on May 3 followed by the Sharks on May 4.
Against the Sun Devils, Cowichan won 9-3. Tyson Black led the charge with a goal and three assists for a four-point night. Brayden Zunti had a hat trick, Brady Williams potted a pair, and added an assist, and Jake McCluskey fired a single and had two helpers.
The following night against Oceanside, Cowichan was limited to 10 runners and fell short of the win by just a few goals.
The Thunder and Rats meet for their first all-Cowichan battle on May 12 at the Cowichan Arena at 7 p.m.
