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Franklin lacrosse team holds off Ensworth comeback for narrow win




Franklin's Graham Jess (95) throws a shot on goal while Ensworth's Fred Jackson (15) watchesDAVID RUSSELL

Franklin’s Graham Jess (95) throws a shot on goal while Ensworth’s Fred Jackson (15) watchesDAVID RUSSELL

NASHVILLE — The Franklin Rebels lacrosse team survived a scare from the Ensworth Tigers on Wednesday night, taking a 10-9 win on the road.

“This is the first game that has really tested our season so far,” Franklin coach Mike Bienen said. “Ensworth is a tremendous program and they gave us a good challenge.”

In the first quarter, it was a back-and-forth battle as Ensworth took an early 2-1 lead. The second quarter provided plenty of scoring fireworks with Ensworth taking a 5-4 lead into halftime. 

Ensworth senior Ethan Sanchez scored two of the three goals for the Tigers. Franklin freshman Gavin Reid scored two of the three goals for the Rebels.

The offensive shootout continued in the third quarter, as Franklin surged ahead to take an 8-6 lead. Franklin’s Graham Jess scored two of his four goals in the quarter. Senior Sam Walker scored the only goal for the Tigers in the third quarter.

 

 

“It was all about matchups for us tonight,” Bienen said. “Graham brings a lot of heat for us from the outside. He was in the right place at the right time.”

The fourth quarter had a photo finish as Ensworth had an opportunity to tie the game 10-10 in the closing seconds, but fell short of a comeback. 

“It came down to a couple of penalties, turnovers and a couple breakdowns in fundamentals,” Ensworth coach William Sutherland said. “We have spring break coming up, which will hopefully give us plenty of time to watch the film and learn from it.”

Ensworth senior Colby Sheer scored a goal with 37 seconds remaining in the game. He nearly completed the Tigers’ comeback. 

“He is an excellent player for us,” Sutherland said. “He sees the field very well and is able to get open and find his teammates. He is an offensive generator.”

The Franklin defense withstood everything Ensworth threw at them to seal the victory in the final seconds, prompting Bienen to give some much-deserved credit to a few freshmen for stepping up.  

“Our defense is a bit riddled with injuries right now,” Bienen said. “We had a couple of freshman step in there in a tremendous way, playing smart and aggressive.”

Ensworth will have some time off with spring break before returning to the field. 

“This game will be an excellent teaching film for us,” Sutherland said. “We’ve got some divisional games coming up. We want this game back, but we have got to move forward.”

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