Vail Mountain School soccer wins opener

ASPEN — Under variegated skies, the Vail Mountain School girls soccer team showed tremendous synergy, embodying the school’s culture and translating those principles into action.

In other words, the Gore Rangers beat Aspen, 1-0, to open the season.

Kristen Vossler to Emma Hall in the first half stood as the game’s lone goal.

While the result was good, this was a get-to-know-you game for the Gore Rangers, who are still, as their mascot indicates, coming out of skiing and other winter activities.

“We had a number of players playing for the first time, literally,” said coach Bob Bandoni, who, yes, has returned to grace the sidelines of outposts on the scenic Western Slope. “I think we were very organized in both the attack and on the defensive end.”

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Bandoni cited the play of center-back Vossler and outside backs Annie Blakslee and Anna Holguin. In a Bandoni system, everything starts in back, so that’s a nice sign to start.

VMS played two goalies, and Lindsey Peterson and Holly Parker combined for the shutout.

The Gore Rangers have their home opener at historic Bandoni Alumni Field on Thursday against Vail Christian.

Lacrosse

Eagle valley girls beat Steamboat

GYPSUM — The most impressive thing wasn’t the goals, though their were a lot of them.

It was the stickwork that was cool to see in Eagle Valley’s 21-6 win over Steamboat at Hot Stuff Stadium on Thursday.

“I wasn’t as interested in the goals as their stickwork,” Devils coach Stephanie Renzelman said. “Their ball movement and transition was beautiful. It was really fun to watch. I was really proud of them.”

Haley Carpenter had six goals, while Lindsay Martinez had five. Both Sarah Cooper and Morgan Murphy rang up hat tricks. Gabby Jeffers added two and Katie Laidman and Teegan Mercer also scored.

Eagle Valley (1-3) got its first win of the season, and it hopes that it’s the first of many.

“It’s awesome,” Renzelman said. “We told them they have the potential to be a really good team this year. That’s what they needed to believe it.”

Eagle Valley hosts Telluride on Tuesday at 4 p.m.

Devils boys fall on road

DURANGO — Eagle Valley boys lacrosse fell victim to the massive road trip that is the voyage to Durango on Friday.

The Devils had a slow first half but rallied before falling to the host Demons, 8-7.

“We came out a bit slow,” Devils coach Bobby Ecker said. “We just got outworked in the first quarter. Durango was beating us in the ground-ball war.”

Eagle Valley (2-4) did tie it up in the second half but took come costly penalties late.

Quinn McCord had a hat trick, while Jared Salaz, Sam Boomhower, Mike Ramunno and Wyatt Alt also scored.

The Devils return home to play St. Mary’s on Tuesday at 4 p.m., as part of a simultaneous lacrosse doubleheader. The Ladies are at Hot Stuff Stadium, while the gents are up at the Gypsum Sports Complex.

Sports Editor Chris Freud can be reached at 970-748-2934 and cfreud@vaildaily.com.