Smerka, Hutton lead Northgate to win over Whitewater
by Staff Reports
Jake Smerka and Mitchell Hutton each scored a pair of goals in the first quarter en route to hat tricks as Northgate’s boys lacrosse team dominated Whitewater for a 9-5 victory on Wednesday at home in Area 1-AAAAA/A action.
Both Vikings scored unassisted to open the game while taking a 4-1 lead after one quarter. Hutton added his second off an assist from Fritz Smith after Whitewater closed within a goal early.
Ahead 4-2, Northgate’s defense killed off a two-minute penalty with 5:30 left until halftime and the team carried that momentum into David Liberachi’s goal to close out a three-goal advantage at the break.
Devon Johns finished with 11 saves in the victory while Gage Wozniak and Jake Smerka led the team with six groundballs apiece. Hutton added five.
Smith and Cole Johnson added Viking goals in the third quarter, both unassisted, to keep a 7-3 lead after three quarters.
Smerka and Johnson combined to win 11 of 15 faceoffs in the victory.
Late Tuesday
GIRLS – Kennesaw Mountain 18, Newnan 6: On the road in Cobb County, the Lady Mustangs jumped out to a 4-0 lead before Newnan could get on the scoreboard on a goal by Savannah Ohliger 10 minutes into the first half.
Ohligher finished with two goals and Sydney Garmany added a goal and an assist in the loss as the Lady Cougars fell to 1-3 in Area 1-AAAAAA and 2-6 overall.
Anne Jarrett and Sidney Overton added goals in the second half for Newnan while Lindsey Stewart and Morgan Gardner split duties in goal. Stewart had 10 saves in the first half and Gardner added four.
