Andrew Zhao

Viking junior Sam Janik avoids a Panther defender in the third quarter against the Burlingame High School Panthers. According to Viking junior Oliver Chancellor, the Vikings did a good job of supporting each other throughout the game. “We made sure that whether someone makes a mistake, we bring each other up instead of breaking us down,” Chancellor said. “Sometimes things can get a little heated, so you need to take that energy into constructive criticism.”

Editor’s Note: A previous version of this story inappropriately altered a quote from Oliver Chancellor. This has since been amended, and we apologize for this error. 

Following a decisive 22-2 win against Los Altos on April 16, the Palo Alto High School varsity boys’ lacrosse team (4-1) blew out the Burlingame High School Panthers (1-5), 11-3  on Thursday at home.

Viking head coach Ed Hattler said the team’s previous win against the Panthers helped the Vikings strategize for this game. 

“We knew who their best players were, and we tried to shut them down,” Hattler said. 

The Vikings set the stage from the opening whistle with a relentless offense. After an early fumble, Viking junior Maverick Underwood scored a bounce shot from afar, two minutes into the game. According to Viking junior Oliver Chancellor, this moment was the highlight of the game.

“He was right in the crease,” Chancellor said. “He was about 30-40 feet, maybe 60 yards out. He got the pass, got the call from coach, and just ripped the ball. The whole team was celebrating and it really brought the energy up.”

Burlingame made a valiant defensive effort in the second quarter, with Panther senior goalie Luke Nielsen making two incredible saves.

Burlingame senior Nicholas Spano scored after a quick scramble. However, Paly stayed patient and kept up the pressure, scoring two goals of their own, ending the quarter leading 4-1.

During the second half, the Panthers showcased their defense with consecutive blocks, thwarting three of Paly’s attempts to score. During a critical one-on-one opportunity, Nielson made a crucial save, denying Paly another opportunity.

According to Chancellor, the Vikings’ misses never discouraged them from giving it their all. 

“Even though our shots weren’t going in at the rate we wanted them to, we didn’t stop, we kept it pushing,” Chancellor said. “We didn’t let that deter us from trying our hardest.” 

Hattler said that during the fourth quarter, the Vikings started to tire out the Panthers. 

“We wore them down,” Hattler said. “They were on defense the whole game and they just wore down and emotionally let down and gave up.”

Burlingame scored once after the kickoff, but Paly had developed a crazy offensive rhythm. Viking senior midfielder Declan Packer weaved through Panther’s defenders, finishing it off with a goal in the bottom left of the goal. This got the Vikings into a rhythm of scoring goal after goal, finishing the game 11-3. 

Viking junior Christian Saleh said communication within the team ensured their victory. 

“We definitely improved communication-wise, especially since the last time we played them,” Saleh said. “It’s shown based on the scores and the games that we’ve been winning.”

The Vikings will play against the Mountain View High School Spartans (2-4) at 7 p.m. Tuesday at home.