Above – Patrick Schreiber (2 goals) is defended by Brad Cohen photo by Ray DiMonda
by Mike Zima, Correspondent
Hayden La Vangie shoots against Randell-photo by Ray DiMonda
Attack Riley Smith scored three goals to lead a balanced attack as Oxbridge Academy pulled away from Fleming Island in the second half for an 11-8 victory at Jacksonville University Saturday.
Smith’s hat trick capped a successful weekend for the junior, who scored five goals in the Thunder Wolves’ 13-2 win over Jacksonville Episcopal Friday night.
“Smith is a very good shooter, especially when he gets his hands free and his feet set,” said Oxbridge coach Stan Ross. “He’s playing more off ball, working to get himself open.”
Two of Smith’s scores came during a run of five consecutive Oxbridge goals to open the third quarter that turned a 4-3 halftime lead into a commanding 9-3 advantage. First, Smith beat Fleming Island goalie Ryan Kelly to convert a feed from Colin Hayek. Later, he dodged to get by a Golden Eagles long pole, moved in front of the crease and deposited a shot over Kelly’s left shoulder.
Eight different Thunder Wolves scored a goal, as the visitors used crisp ball movement to expose holes in the Fleming Island defense. Six of the victors’ 11 goals came off of assists.
Ethan Randell prepares for a shot from Fleming Island’s Sam Barrington-Photo by Ray DiMonda
Sophomore goalie Ethan Randell also played a critical role for the Thunder Wolves, making nine saves. “He has been the backbone of our defense all year,” Smith said of Randell. Randell blocked a close range shot from Golden Eagles middie Devan Marquis, then deflected Marquis’ attempt to paddle in the rebound as the clock expired in the first half, preserving a one-goal lead for Oxbridge.
Fleming Island made a game of it in the fourth quarter behind freshman attack Patrick Schreiber, who used a spin move to free himself from a defender near the crease for a high shot past Randell, and scored again while being tripped in front of the goal to bring the Golden Eagles within 11-8 with 2:00 remaining.
Hayden La Vangie led Fleming Island with three goals. The Golden Eagles, who fall to 9-3, host Episcopal on Friday, March 27.
Oxbridge improves to 8-5.
