Getting off to a good start is always a plus in any sport.
The Liberty and Westminster boys lacrosse teams did just that Friday in Howard County and will be looking to stay on a roll tomorrow when the two teams meet at Liberty.
Westminster came from behind to edge home-standing Howard, 7-6. Down, 6-5, in the final quarter, John Bolesta scored the tying goal and followed that up with the game-winner. He scored the Owls' last four goals.
Liberty had a much easier time at Atholton, winning, 11-3, paced by John Monar's three goals.
Defending county champ South Carroll will look to bounce back on the road against Oakland Mills today. The Cavs were upset by Centennial, 7-3, in their season-opener. Both opponents are from Howard County.
In other sports this week:
* Two intra-county games head the schedule in softball.
The Liberty Lions get the first crack at defending state champ North Carrolltomorrow in Hampstead. Liberty senior pitcher Brenda Timko will leadan experienced group to take on the mighty Panthers.
The Panthersreturn a strong lineup led by seniors Vicki Jackson, Tina Martin, Shelly Woodburn and Sherri Martin.
A key to the Panthers' fortunes will be pitching. Gone to graduation is standout hurler Michelle Ament, who leaves the pitching duties to Michele Jeffery and Jenni Heindel.
On Friday, Westminster will travel to South Carroll. Karen Walker and Holly Chatfield spark the Owls' offense, while South Carroll will look to senior Liz Masterson to patrol the outfield and provide leadership.
* In baseball action Friday, Westminster will try to shut down the potent South Carroll offense and find a way to score some runs of its own.
Both clubs have a lot of offensive firepower and solid pitching. Senior shortstop Bobby Taylor leads the Owls attack offensively, while junior outfielder Charlie Kuykendall batted .400 last year for the Cavaliers.
On the mound, the Cavs likely will start with Joe Goodwin or Mike Downs, both seniors.
The Owls' top returning starter is senior Rob Ruhlman.
* The Western Maryland College baseball and softball teams play conference doubleheaders on the road Saturday.
The baseball team, which finished its Florida trip 2-4 to go to 3-4 on the season, will travel to Muhlenberg, Pa., and then play host to Franklin & Marshall Sunday in a make-up game from lastSunday.
The softball team travels to F & M.
