The visiting Hudson boys lacrosse team won its ninth straight contest with a 5-3 victory over Cleveland St. Ignatius April 30.

The Explorers defense held its own as Ignatius took 25 shots on goal.

Chris Reardon (defensive player of the game) held his man scoreless. Tyler Malson continued to be a "machine" on ground balls and clears, according to Hudson head coach David Blue.

Eli George and Griffin Vehar were physical predators all over the field, according to Blue.

Adding to the unit's success were long-stick midfielders Ryan Drought, Mike Musil and Drew Doman and short sticks Jack Mabrey and Spencer Kenney.

As a unit, the defense picked up 23 ground balls. Throw in goalkeeper Andrew Hoelzel's team-leading nine ground balls (and eight saves), the defense had more than half of the team's 58 ground balls.

Ryan Althausen (four ground balls) was strong on face-offs by winning 8-of-12 draws.

"Our offense did not play one of its better games, but it did enough to get the win," Blue said.

Connor McMahon (offensive player of the game and game-ball recipient) had one goal, two assists and three ground balls. Jake McHenry scored two goals from the crease.

Scott Krusinski and Jordan Wood contributed with single goals. Jack Kelley added an extra-man assist.

Hudson, which was ranked 10th in the Midwest Regional rankings, improved to 9-1 with the victory. Western Reserve Academy, which was 10-2 as of press time, was ranked third behind Brother Rice (12-0) of Michigan and Worthington Kilbourne (9-0).

The junior varsity team fell to 9-1 with a 9-6 loss to St. Ignatius.

The varsity team was set to visit Worthington Kilbourne May 2. Results were not available at press time. The two teams met in the state semifinals last year.

The Explorers are set to host Medina May 6 at 8 p.m.

-- From staff reports

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