MURRIETA – In a historic victory that marked the growth of the sport of lacrosse in Southwest Riverside County, Vista Murrieta claimed a resounding win over Temecula Valley with a score of 17-7. The triumph was particularly sweet as it was the Broncos’ first victory over the Golden Bears since lacrosse became a CIF sanctioned sport in the area in 2018.
The match’s standout was undoubtedly Drew Files, who netted four goals, leading the offensive assault for Vista Murrieta. But the game wasn’t just about scoring prowess; it was also a testament to tenacity and teamwork, especially on defense. Senior goalie Collin Applegate was instrumental, rallying his team at halftime with a call to intensify their efforts and not get lackadaisical. He followed through with an outstanding performance in the second half, keeping the opposition at bay.
Just days after their exceptional performance, the Broncos turned their attention to Great Oak, delivering on a nail-biting win with an 8-7 scoreline, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure and maintain their winning streak.
Despite the lack of local teams in the CIF Southern Section boys lacrosse polls last week, this win has firmly positioned Vista Murrieta at the top of the Southwestern League standings, boasting a remarkable 2-0 record in league play and an impressive 9-2 overall.
The league standings behind Vista Murrieta are tight, with the defending Southwestern League champion Golden Bears still holding a competitive 2-1 in league matches and a strong 7-4 overall. The fight for league supremacy is fierce, with Chaparral also at 2-1, Murrieta Mesa and Great Oak following closely behind, and Murrieta Valley still searching for their first league win.
Adding to the night’s spectacle was an unexpected guest—a Space X rocket launch—streaking across the sky, igniting the crowd’s excitement, and setting the stage for what would be a remarkable evening of high school lacrosse action.
Coming up this week, the Broncos will defend their home turf against Murrieta Valley, while Chaparral faces off against Great Oak in what promises to be another thrilling set of contests. Temecula Valley will aim to bounce back on their visit to Murrieta Mesa.
With the momentum firmly with Vista Murrieta, the coming games are crucial as they seek to solidify their position and head into the postseason with confidence and a commanding presence in the league standings.
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