Lacrosse finds its focus against Desert Mtn.

Xavier Prep’s lacrosse team had to be careful on Thursday night (April 14).

The Gators were coming off a loss to Phoenix Pinnacle and they were facing a winless team in visiting Scottsdale Desert Mountain. A winless team is capable of rising up and scoring an upset if its opponent does not have its focus.

Desert Mountain got the Gators’ attention by scoring just 1:13 into the contest and had a 3-1 lead, but Xavier found its footing and went on to record a 16-11 victory.

Xavier’s overall record now is 7-4. The team has three matches next week, at Scottsdale Notre Dame Prep on Tuesday night (April 19), at home against Phoenix Horizon on April 21 and a road match against Scottsdale Chaparral on April 22.

Caitlin Blomo scored six goals to lead Xavier, while Kayla Swanson and Caylie Wagner chipped in with three goals apiece.

“Blomo was the key for us,’’ said Xavier coach Rachael D’Angelo. “After the Pinnacle game, our goal was to improve offensively and we did that a little bit. But we still have a little ways to go.’’

The defense also continued its improvement despite having a couple of key players not playing.

And the Gators got a lift from goalkeeper Anna Schrader, who was called up from the junior varsity earlier in the day. Regular keeper Savannah Fatigoni started, but D’Angelo wanted to see what Schrader could do over the final 15 minutes or so.

The coach was impressed, but Fatigoni will remain as the starter. Schrader is expected to be with the varsity for the rest of the season.

“She (Schrader) stays very calm out there. She does not seem to get flustered. And she can block those high shots,’’ D’Angelo said.