The Cicero-North Syracuse boys lacrosse squad had an unusual opponent on Saturday.
They faced non-league foe General Brown, but the Northstars also had to deal with the unseasonably warm weather.
Lacrosse teams typically face cold and sometimes rainy weather at the beginning of the season. But Saturday's season opener for the Northstars was played under a bright sun and with temperatures in the 70s.
Despite some distractions, C-NS pulled out a 9-8 win over the Lions.
"It definitely looked like it was our first game," C-NS coach Chuck Wilbur said. "It was a little sloppy, slow and lethargic. These temperatures, you're not used to playing in them so early in the (season)."
C-NS had a slim 4-3 lead at intermission, then bulked it to 7-5 after three quarters. General Brown outscored the Northstars in the fourth, but C-NS held on for the win.
"A win is a win against a tough team from up north," Wilbur said. "General Brown is a tough, physical team. We'll take the win, though."
Elijah Martin paced C-NS with four goals.
"Elijah is a high-end player. He gets overlooked, and people don't realize how talented he is," Wilbur said. "He might be our defensive midfielder, but he plays a little attack. He does everything so well."
Also for C-NS (1-0), Ian Leahey finished with three goals and two assists, while Mason Ciciarelli had a goal and an assist. Tanner Long was 8-of-10 on faceoffs, and Leyton Sullivan made eight saves.
For the Lions (1-2), Sheamus Devine tallied three goals, two assists and five ground balls. Gabriel Secreti added two goals and three assists. Nolan Ganter and Luke Dupee each had a goal, an assist and three ground balls. Goalie Luke Secreti recorded 15 saves.
The Northstars take on another non-league opponent in Tully at 1 p.m. on Tuesday. General Brown faces Carthage at 7 p.m. Thursday.
