ARVADA – A disappointing loss can fuel the fire for the next game. Just ask the Columbine boys lacrosse team.
Two days after being defeated by Lakewood, the Rebels returned with a statement in form of a 13-1 dominant victory over Ralston Valley at the North Area Athletic Complex (NAAC) on Wednesday evening.
After a slow start, a flurry of goals by Columbine opened the game up in the second quarter and remained that way until the end.
Leading the way was junior attack Tanner Hollens, who scored four straight goals – three of which were delivered in less than a minute.
"I knew we had to start getting those goals. That motivated our offense," Hollens said. "(Lakewood) wasn't our best game of the season. We just have to keep winning and hopefully we'll make the playoffs."
Columbine recently cracked the Class 5A rankings this week at No. 8. Chasing a playoff spot, the Rebels still have to face No. 2 Valor Christian and No. 1 Cherry Creek in their final two games of the regular season.
"We've got a tough schedule ahead, but I think we can do it," Hollens said. "We needed that motivation back. We just need to keep rolling hot and I believe we can make it pretty far this year."
Columbine improves to 7-5 overall with a 4-1 standing in Jeffco League play. Ralston Valley falls to 6-6, 1-4 JL.
Watch the extended video above and see the highlights on the 9NEWS Prep Rally this weekend.