Monday’s Mesa League boys lacrosse game between the host Bonita Vista Barons and Hilltop Lancers had special meaning for the hosts.
The Barons won, 8-3, to honor their seniors as well as keep on a course to a possible berth in the upcoming San Diego Section playoffs.
“This was a really important win for us to keep our playoff hopes alive,” BVHS coach Peter Locke said. “We were ranked 12th (in Division II) and the top 12 teams make the playoffs. We’re going to have to play well if we are going to get that last spot.”
Bonita Vista closes out regular season play Thursday at Otay Ranch. The Mustangs edged the Barons, 8-7, in overtime in the teams’ first meeting April 16 on the Barons’ home turf.
Bonita Vista improved to 4-3 in league play, 8-9 overall, with Monday’s win.
Billy Esparza, one of seven BV seniors honored after the game, led the Barons against Hilltop with four goals while Michael Lopez and Jacob Peters, two other seniors honored, each contributed two goals and one assist.
BV freshman goalkeeper Anthony Antunez was credited with six saves.
Joining Esparza, Lopez and Peters among the seven seniors honored in Monday’s contest were Jared Luzano, Steven Garcia, Patrick Carson and Peter Locke IV.
Hilltop, which trailed 4-3 at halftime, received goals from Kyle McLean, Isaias Pedroza and Rene Castro. David de la Torre was credited with 16 saves for the Lancers.
Hilltop (1-6 in league play, 5-13 overall) hosts league champion Eastlake (7-0 in league play, 12-4 overall) on Thursday to close out its regular season schedule.
The Lancers entered Monday’s game on the heels of a 14-6 non-league loss to visiting El Capitan on Saturday. Arte Ariola scored three goals for Hilltop in the loss while Brandon Townley had two goals and Castro scored once. De la Torre excelled with 24 goalie saves.
Cannen Mitchell led the Vaqueros (13-5) with six goals while Connor Bast scored four times.
JV tournament
Hilltop hosted its annual junior varsity tournament on consecutive Saturdays, April 14 and 21.
St. Augustine defeated Hilltop in a playoff on the first weekend while St. Augustine won the title on the second weekend on a criteria tie-breaker.
“It’s not about winning but to get the boys on the field and playing,” Hilltop coach Pete Bishop said in regard to the tourney’s format. “We had 100 to 120 boys on a Saturday playing lacrosse and having a good time.”
Mesa League Standings
(Through April 30)
League/Overall
Eastlake Titans 7-0, 12-5
Otay Ranch Mustangs 5-2, 10-4
Bonita Vista Barons 4-3, 8-9
Olympian Eagles 1-7, 5-13
Hilltop Lancers 1-6, 5-13
Monday, April 30
Bonita Vista 8, Hilltop 3
Otay Ranch 13, Olympian 7
Grossmont 7, Eastlake 6
Saturday, April 28
El Capitan 14, Hilltop 6
Friday, April 27
Eastlake 16, Olympian 4
Thursday, April 26
Otay Ranch 10, Hilltop 7
Olympian 7, Preuss UCSD 5
