Hamilton adds 100th goal in tough Bellefonte loss to tough Seals team

By Kenny Varner Jr.
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Updated: March 21, 2024

By Kenny Varner

BELLEFONTE- Running the Gauntlet!

After starting their season facing three legendary lacrosse teams, the Bellefonte boys lacrosse team finished their first week playing a very veteran-laden Selinsgrove team.

There were some encouraging moments Thursday despite the 19-6 loss to the Seals.

“I know we’re young. It’s a lot to get in in a very short period of time,” said Bellefonte coach Rob Johnson. “Starting out with a private school and two top league teams is pretty difficult. But we’re young still.”

Highlighting the night for the Red Raiders was Ryder Hamilton. Hamilton had two of his three goals late in the contest to place him in rare air, posting career goal number 100. It was a fete that has never been accomplished in Bellefonte history.

“He’s a good kid. Works really hard. He’s a good athlete, plays basketball,” said Johnson. “we need more kids who play multiple sports. He’s athletic and it’s because he plays multiple sports. Which is huge and it helps him a lot.”

Hamilton led the scoring for the Red Raiders with three and posting the hat trick. Teammates Connor Plourde, Nathan Benner and Nate Cherinka all added lone goals in the contest.

Trailing 6-0 with 4:12 left in the opening period, Hamilton sent a screaming one hopper past the Seals goalie for goal 98.

Minutes later, the Red Raiders scored again when Hamilton gave the ball inside to Benner and he sent it home, making it a 6-2 contest after one.

But the offense would be denied in the second quarter as the Selinsgrove defense keyed heavily on Hamilton and was able to quickly take a turnover and reverse fields on the young Red Raiders.

When the dust settled and the third quarter got underway, the Seals amassed a 13-2 advantage.

Trailing 15-2, Bellefonte refused to go away as Cherinka blasted his lone goal of the night, making it a 16-3 game.

Despite battling the mercy rule, Hamilton was able to put another through late in the fourth with 4:21 left.

Needing only one goal to hit triple digits, Hamilton scooped up a missed Seals pass and ran a breakaway down the field and slamming it home for goal number 100 with 2:46 left in the game.

With time running out, it looked as though Hamilton would notch goal 101 as he again had a clean breakaway but he undelfishly passed it to a wide open Plourde. Plourde sliced it past the Selinsgrove goalie, ending the game scoring at 19-6.