West Orange lacrosse falls to Winter Park

WINTER GARDEN — The West Orange Warriors boy lacrosse team held a halftime lead over the visiting Winter Park Wildcats, but the Warriors could not hold on for the program's first victory over the Wildcats since 1997, falling 9-6 on Friday night.

West Orange (6-3), which won its 200th game in program history earlier in the week, led by two in the second quarter, 4-2, but was outscored 7-2 the rest of the way by Winter Park (5-3).

"I loved the first half and our intensity," head coach Bill Baker said. "The boys came out with heart and hustle and that's what we've been talking about all year."

Bailey Sarp and Lane Artope each scored three goals for the Warriors and goalie Garrett Burns had 20 saves, with his play in front of the net serving as a bright spot for West Orange in defeat.

"These last couple games (Burns has) been iffy," Baker said.  "The way he stepped up today just impressed the heck out of me."

The Warriors will be at Merritt Island on Monday and hosting Dr. Phillips on Friday next week. With a team with more underclassmen than upperclassmen, Baker is clear on what his squad needs to improve over the next few games.

"We have to play smarter," Baker said.