Warrior boys slip past Moose

JEREMIAH BARTZ/ Fro

ntiersman sports editor

WASILLA - There is almost no bigger boost for a young team, than a big win to start the season.

A young Wasilla Warrior squad got that big win on Tuesday.

Behind the scoring of Jimmy Silwa, Michael Maestas, John Pahkala and Jordan Ingalls, the Warriors battled to a 4-2 win over Valley rival Palmer on the wet turf of Veterans Memorial Field.

"It's definitely a big win for us, a good start to our season," Wasilla head coach Blake Livingston said. "We knew going in, Palmer has a solid nucleus of players. We needed to have a big match."

Rory Egelus gave Palmer an early 1-0 lead, but Silwa won a battle in a scramble in front of the net and knocked in a kick with his left foot to tie the score. Right before the end of the fist half, Maestas converted a penalty

kick.

Pahkala and Ingalls scored early in the second half for the Warriors.

"We felt like we were doing a good job of dictating the pace," Livingston said of his team's play in the second half.

With a young team, Livingston, the key to his team's season will be work ethic and team work. As the Warriors work towards their goals, the squad will rely on the leadership of senior Robbie Champion and junior Zach Bennett.

"Robbie and Zach are the foundation to our backline," Livingston said.

The strength of the Warrior squad is expected to be on the backline with Champion, Bennett and Jake Wade. Livingston said his players who will play large roles on the Warrior offense are young, but cited the tenacious play of Ingalls, a sophomore.

Palmer has a solid foundation of upperclassman led by Egelus and fellow striker Ben Beetch.

Beetch also scored in the loss.

Palmer has five seniors and nine juniors on the varsity squad.

The junior class includes standout goaltender Trenton Berberich.