Memorial lacrosse coach Mike Newton and the Mustang team went into Saturday’s game against Klein wanting to make a statement. After a dismal 4-10 finish last year, Memorial has reloaded this year hoping to make plenty of noise.

 The Mustangs, in two overtimes, defeated the Bearkats 9-8 Saturday afternoon. According to Newton, this win was long awaited.

 “We haven’t won a big game in a while,” Newton said. “I thought it was a gutsy win and we gutted it out in overtime. To beat a team of this caliber gives us tremendous confidence.

 “I have a lot of respect for the Klein program.”

 Klein is one of the top programs in the state. Last year, the Bearkats won the Division II lacrosse state title. Saturday they faced a Memorial team hungry for a big win.

 The game started very aggressive, but clean. Both teams fought for momentum and each was able to penetrate the other’s defense line. Going into halftime, Memorial had a 6-4 advantage.

 After the break, the Bearkats came out on a mission. Within eight minutes, Klein cashed in two more goals tying the game up at six.

 From then on, both teams traded scores until the buzzer sounded. With an 8-8 tie, overtime would be underway.

 In the first overtime, both teams displayed stingy defenses making it very difficult to work an offense and get into rhythm. But in overtime No. 2, Memorial’s Robert Sauerman found a crease and scored the winning goal.

 Other Memorial scorers were Steven Wise and Mason Hebert who both had two goals. Jonathan Heidt, Walker Smith, and Kevin Neal each scored goals. Goal Keeper Chris Mack ended the game with 15 saves. 

 For Klein, Ronstat scored three goals. Jones, Myers, Cushman, Alvarado, and Hester each scored a goal.

 Memorial is set to play Katy Taylor while Klein will battle Westside. Both games are scheduled for Tuesday, February 20.

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