The Wenatchee Valley Thunder opened its boys lacrosse season with two away games, losing to Camas High School 12-9 on March 20. The next day, they played in the same stadium against Union High School, losing 10-5 on March 21.

“We just didn’t come out playing very strong in the beginning,” senior Josh West said. Some players that stood out during the matches were sophomore Grant Carroll, a defenseman, and senior Adam Chvilicek, “who always plays well,” West said.

“Over the weekend they really progressed and learned how to play defense, work the team, and learn the game of lacrosse more,” said Chvilicek, a midfielder.

Though the Thunder was number one in their division last year, and off to a disheartening 0-2 start, the players are determined to turn it around.

“It’s fine we started the year 0-2 as long as we learn from the mistakes we made,” Chvilicek said. “Both teams we played were very good. I’m glad this happened at the beginning of the season. We can see what we need to work on.”

The Thunder will be playing Southridge at 5 p.m. at the Wenatchee Valley lacrosse field.

“We’ve always [had] a little rivalry with them, and they’re a pretty tough team so we’re pretty excited. If we can beat them, and play the way we should, it will be a good sign for things moving forward,” Chvilicek said.

The girls lacrosse team is in the same position, starting their season with a game against Lake Tapps on March 15, which ended with a loss, 15-2, and a game against Nathan Hale on March 18 which ended with another loss, 14-2, leaving them at a record of 0-2.

“We have a lot new players so I’m not worried about it,” senior Madelyn Milner said, a defender for the team. “They were the best two teams in the league as well.”

Players that stood out in the first game were junior Katie Byers, who scored one of the two goals made by the team and senior Caitlin Thomas who made an impressive number of saves in both games. Sophomore midfielder Aurora Alexander scored a goal in the other game.

The girls lacrosse team will be playing Tahoma on March 26. The team will be going into the team with a positive mindset and ready to win.

“I’m pretty excited, we’ve been working pretty hard and it should be a pretty evenly matched game” junior Julia Jobe said.