Mandarin High School traveled south to Palm Coast on Tuesday March 3rd to take on Matanzas High School in what was expected to be an exciting match up between these strong and growing programs. Matanzas struck early with their first goal coming with in the first 30 seconds of the game and they continued to light up the scoreboard with a strong offense. Matanzas was able to hold Mandarin to only 2 goals in the 1st quarter while putting 7 in the net themselves. Mandarin adjusted their defense and held Matanzas to 3 goals in the 2nd quarter, 2 in the 3rd and 3 in the 4th. However, Matanzas’ defense held back the potent Mandarin offense throughout the game. Mandarin broke through with 4 goals in the 4th quarter but it wasn’t enough to overcome what Matanzas had already achieved. Matanzas won the game 15-9. Highlights of the game included Sr Goalie Brent Gordon for Mandarin leaving the cage and traveling down field in the 1st quarter to take a shot 15 yards out from Matanzas’ goalie and score the 1st goal of his career. Mantazas’ James Mayer  put up 5 goals for the night in what was a powerful attack group for the Pirates. Mandarin moves on to play a tough Nease team on Friday March 6th and Matanzas takes their win and travels to play Bartram High School the same night. Good luck to both teams.