WHITBY -- It took two-thirds of the season, but Jeff McComb finally feels his Whitby Warriors are hitting their stride. After drubbing the Lakers in Peterborough 10-3 in Junior A lacrosse play Tuesday, a victory that extended Whitby's win streak to a season-high four games, it's tough to disagree with the coach.
In recent history, the Warriors' trips up Hwy. 115 haven't exactly been fruitful. However, on Tuesday, Whitby built a 4-2 lead after 20 minutes before scoring the final six goals of the game including three in the third, to up their record to 10-5-2. That means they'll finish no lower than fourth in the OLA loop.
"We've talked about it all year, through our struggles, that we really want to be playing our best lacrosse of the year as we head into the playoffs," said McComb on Wednesday. "I really think now that we are headed in the right direction."
The Warriors will still need to hop over what is sure to be a rather difficult hurdle this weekend as they close out the regular season schedule. A Sunday trip to Six Nations is on the slate. The undefeated Arrows own a 16-0-1 record and won't likely give that up easily on their home floor.
Even still, McComb has high hopes heading to Six Nations, although he isn't likely to use his full lineup.
"We have a couple of injuries that we want to make sure are healed for Tuesday," he said, pointing to the playoff opener, likely against the Lakers. "But at the same time, we need to go in there, give all we have and put a healthy run into them as we head to the playoffs. We think we can compete with them and we have to go in now and hopefully cast a little doubt into their minds."
NOTES: Steve Hutchins scored four goals in the win, while singles were scored by Kyle O'Brien, Justin Fox, Tyler Worden, Phil McIlhone, Brad Levick and Derek Hopcroft.