LA CROSSE — The La Crosse Lightning co-op boys lacrosse team began its season with a 17-3 loss to visiting Verona at Swanson Field on Monday.
The Lightning, with players from Aquinas, Central, Logan, Onalaska, Luther, Holmen and West Salem, were in the game early, but a couple of late goals by the Wildcats gave them a 6-2 lead by the end of the first quarter.
Verona expanded that to 12-2 by halftime.
West Salem senior Jacob Uriderra-Villela scored one goal, assisted on another and was credited with two ground balls.
Luther senior Jax Hendrickson and Logan senior Brett Jungmann also scored for the Lightning (0-1), who received 13 saves from Holmen senior Devin Caulum in goal.
La Crosse struggled to maintain possession throughout the game.
