The Fuquay-Varina Bengals varsity mens lacrosse team delivered an impressive 13-6 victory against South Garner on April 17, concluding an emotional and energetic senior night with an amazing performance. The win was fueled by strong leadership, sharp offensive execution and lockdown defense. Senior Ben Thrift earned player of the game for his contributions in the net and on the field.
Thrift, who split time between the goal and the field, was a key anchor for the Bengals. In the net, he recorded 12 saves on 16 shots for a .750 save percentage. His handling under pressure and vocal presence helped stabilize Fuquay’s defense and shut down South Garner’s scoring opportunities. Thrift also added an assist on the offensive side, making his senior night impactful all over the field.
“It feels great being named player of the game on senior night,” said Thrift. “I had a great start to the game on the field, and this win means a lot to me and the team. Hopefully it can pull us all together for the rest of the season.”
Offensively, the Bengals were led by seniors Connor Everett and Connor Castle. Everett tallied a total of five goals on 16 total shots, while Castle filled the stat sheet with three goals and five assists. Castle also collected four ground balls and added a takeaway on the defensive end, further showcasing his all around talent.
Junior Ty Halle also stepped up with a goal and two assists, while sophomore Tyler Brandom, junior Hayden Farrish, junior Logan Tremblay and senior Carson Bilger each chipped in one goal. Bilger’s shot was especially efficient, finding the back of the net on his lone attempt.
“Senior night was a chance for me to look back to when I started lacrosse, to see the relationships and skills I’ve made while playing. I’m hoping for the rest of the year we can continue to make more memories that I can take into my life after high school,” said senior Carson Bilger.
FVHS controlled possession for much of the game, thanks to senior Nick Ratnesar’s faceoff dominance. Ratnesar won 12 of 14 faceoffs, giving the Bengals a huge edge in offensive opportunities and time of possession. Overall the team won 61% of their draws (14 of 23), which was a major playing factor in their win.
Defensively, the Bengals were active and aggressive. Halle led the team with nine ground balls, while Ratnesar followed with eight. Brandom was another defensive standout, collecting five ground balls and forcing a turnover.
This win not only marked a meaningful send off for the team’s seniors but also served as a testament to their development, teamwork and grit through the season. With the regular season winding down, the Bengals are gaining momentum and confidence. Our seniors are making sure to leave their mark, so show up and support them for their next home game on Friday, April 25 against Garner.
