Saline Lacrosse Battles Through Gritty Stretch Ahead of Dexter Showdown

Saline, MI – April 30, 2025 – Saline Boys Lacrosse has entered the back half of its season with high-energy matchups, growing chemistry, and fierce competition. Over the past week, the Hornets pushed conference rival Pioneer to double overtime, locked in a key win over Novi, and traveled to Huron for a strong showing behind both veteran leaders and JV call-ups.

Double OT Heartbreaker at Pioneer

In their second matchup of the season, Saline and Pioneer battled in one of the most exciting games of the year, ending in a tough 6–5 double-overtime loss for the Hornets.

“Great game! Defense was locked in and followed the plan,” said Head Coach Ty McGuire. “I was impressed with Pioneer's defense and goalie—it took some time for our offense to break through. We had a rough stretch of unforced turnovers that prevented any early momentum, but I was happy with how we responded in the second half. They just made one more play than us.”

Pioneer jumped out to a 3–0 lead, but the Hornets responded in the third quarter. Jack Scarpati got Saline on the board with a strong cut inside, assisted by Nolan Heath. Minutes later, Jon Jon Ohren-Hoeft found the back of the net to narrow the gap.

The defense held tight with excellent positioning and communication from Wyatt Page, Jacob Bengle, and Ian Theisen. At LSM, Jack Nichols and Dylan Delaney led the charge, with Logan Kipley and Michael Munson rotating in at defensive middie. Nichols broke up a key play in transition and started a fast break that ended with Heath assisting Braylon Thomas for the equalizer at 3–3.

The fourth quarter saw Jon Jon bury a goal after clean ball movement through the offense. Then, a picture-perfect off-ball pick from Rylan Stanton opened the lane for Heath to score, making it 5–4. Pioneer tied it a minute later. In the final seconds of regulation and into overtime, goalie Owen Belote delivered clutch saves, but a man-down situation in the second OT ended in the game-winner for Pioneer.

Despite the outcome, Saline’s second-half response and discipline on both ends earned praise from coaches and fans alike.

Big Night for Garrett Male Lifts Saline Past Novi

Back on the home field, Saline delivered a commanding performance against Novi, riding standout efforts and balanced offense to a 6-1 victory.

Garrett Male led the scoring charge with 4 goals. Jack Fate added 1 goal and 2 assists, and Nolan Heath notched an assist while directing the offense with poise and control. Early in the game, Fate fed Rylan Stanton inside for the opening goal, low and quick into the net. The offense flowed well from the start, with forwards Scarpati, Fate, and Male leading movement, while Heath, Ohren-Hoeft, and Stanton came in to round out the core midfield trio.

Belote tallied nine saves in net. On defense, Bengle and Page continued to shine, each comfortable pushing transition and keeping opposing attacks in check. Theisen held ground in the middle, while LSM Nichols & Delaney played fast and physical, controlling space up top.

Saline Handles Business at Huron

Monday night’s road win over Huron gave Saline a chance to rotate players and reward effort across the roster. With help from several JV call-ups, the Hornets secured an 11–4 victory.

Jon Jon Ohren-Hoeft opened the scoring, followed by another strong night from Braylon Thomas at faceoff winning draws with the support of Nichols, Delaney, Kipley, and Munson on the wings.

The defense set the tone early with Page, Theisen, and Bengle starting, and both Wyatt Page, Dylan Delany, and Jack Nichols forcing turnovers that led to key momentum shifts. As the game progressed, Michael Aeschliman, Andre Dreyer, and Jackson Schaible joined the rotation, holding down the backfield.

On offense, the ball movement was clean and patient. Nolan Heath scored 5 goals, including one off a sharp pass from Rylan Stanton. Jon Jon Ohren-Hoeft had two goals, Rylan Stanton, Jack Scarpati, Jack Fate, and Garrett Male added goals of their own. Jack Scarpati continued his strong week with a heads-up rebound goal from Stork's shot and an assist to Male. Fate and Stanton closed the game with connected plays that showed the growing chemistry across the unit.

Saline now turns its focus to Dexter, set for Wednesday on Teacher Appreciation Night. The Hornets are 8–4 on the season and continue to show the depth, resilience, and drive needed to make noise down the stretch.

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