If Memorial boys lacrosse coach Mike Newton is particularly pleased with two aspects of Thursday's season-opening 3-1 win at Friendswood, they will likely be how well the Mustangs spread the ball and how confident they looked despite their youth.

Robert Sauermann, Stephen Wise and Jake Westmoreland scored at windy, chilly Henry Winston Stadium for Memorial, which returned only four starters from last year and has freshmen and sophomores taking up more than half the roster.

"We're real encouraged about the long-term health of this team," Newton said. "I like how they look. I'm excited about the potential for this season."

Friendswood, which applied substantial pressure the entire game and forced Memorial to move the ball, has to be optimistic about its entire future.

Thursday was Friendswood's first varsity game after playing a junior varsity schedule in 2007. Those Mustangs won only two games last year, and coach Steve Kirk said before the season he'd be pleased if they won that many or a few more this year.

Many Friendswood players are relative newcomers to the game. Some played lower-level lacrosse in nearby suburbs before the school formed its team.

Most of the first half was played in Friendswood's end, and it took Memorial just more than eight minutes to capitalize. Sauermann scored with 3:30 left in the first quarter off a Brendan Taylor assist.

"It was just a quick stick right up the middle. I actually didn't see the ball go in because I got hit but it was nice. I'll take it," Sauermann said. "We were spreading them out to slow down the pace. It was helpful."

Wise made it 2-0 early in the second quarter, sneaking in a shot to goalie Zack Holloway's left.

Friendswood had its first big burst of momentum taken away late in the third quarter. Nathan Bryan appeared to have made it 2-1 on a breakaway goal but was called for an illegal stick, a three-minute penalty.

Westmoreland scored with 3:26 left for a 3-0 lead.

Starting goalie Brian Winkler directed Memorial's transition game and preserved the shutout into the final minutes.

"In transition it all starts with the goalie. He did a great job of getting the ball to the right people at the right time," Newton said.

Friendswood scored its only goal against Memorial backup Kevin Brueggeman. Jeff Gregory had a breakaway goal with 1:54 left.

"The guys were a little jittery in the beginning but we settled down after that," Newton said. "We didn't look as sharp as we have but I give a lot of credit to Friendswood. They have some strong athletes with hustle. They were quick and they gave us all they could handle."

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