The Westside Warriors boys lacrosse team couldn’t have scripted a better start to the season. At 2-0, the Warriors are already making a statement, with disciplined defense, an explosive offense, and a renewed sense of purpose after last year’s early playoff exit.
Under head coach Terry Liebentritt, Westside has opened the year with back-to-back convincing wins, with a 10-4 victory over West Des Moines followed by a 12-4 win against Millard West. In both games, the Warriors controlled tempo, dominated possession, and showcased a defensive unit that is quickly earning recognition as one of the best in the state.
According to junior LSM Joey Gerard, that early success is no accident.
“I think the ability to prepare months in advance as a team has been huge,” Gerard said. “When we are practicing together all fall and winter, we develop a connection that translates to the field.”
That connection is crystal clear on the defensive end. Anchored by senior goalie Caleb Ruzika, Westside has allowed just eight total goals through two games. Ruzika has been a standout presence in the cage, making key saves and providing leadership to a veteran defensive group in front of him.
That group includes senior close defenders Zaid Haddadin, Aidan Erkes, and Elias Svendsen-Antillon, along with Gerard at LSM. Together, they’ve formed a cohesive, physical unit that thrives on communication and trust.
“We take a lot of pride in talking through everything,” Haddadin said. “If one guy is out of position, someone’s there to back him up. That trust we’ve built makes us play faster and more confident.”
That chemistry has translated into results beyond just stopping goals. Gerard and senior Sam Schafer are tied for the team lead with 11 ground balls each, consistently winning loose-ball battles and giving the Warriors extra possessions.
Gerard credits a disciplined and resilient mindset when it comes to winning those battles.
“Just fighting and making the smart choices in those battles,” he said. “Making sure I go into the game with the mindset that mistakes are going to happen makes me more likely to get those ground balls.”
Haddadin has a similar mindset, emphasizing effort and physicality as the foundation of their defensive identity.
“Ground balls are all about effort and toughness,” Haddadin said. “We want to be the more physical team every time we step on the field, and that starts with winning those 50-50 plays.”
While the defense has set the tone, the offense has been just as effective. Junior Jose Andrade leads the team with seven goals through two games, establishing himself as a key scoring threat. Alongside him, fellow junior attackman Roe Battershell has helped keep opposing defenses off balance with his playmaking ability.
At the faceoff position, Jaden Von Knorring has been instrumental in controlling possession, consistently giving Westside starting possession.
Gerard has also embraced a larger role this season, stepping up as both a leader and a tone-setter on defense after being named a team captain.
“I was elected the honor of being a captain at the beginning of the season and I’ve tried to maximize that role,” Gerard said. “I help new guys learn the sport and try to improve our defense in any way that I can on and off the field.”
Haddadin has taken on a leadership role as well, helping set the standard for the defensive unit.
“As a senior, it’s about leading by example,” Haddadin said. “We have a lot of talent, but it’s the little things, communication, hustle, and discipline that are going to separate us. That’s what we’re focused on every day.”
The strong start is fueled by more than just talent. After losing in the first round of the playoffs last season, the Warriors entered the year with a clear goal: redemption. That early exit has sharpened the team’s focus and intensity, showing up in practices and carrying over into game situations.
Haddadin said that memory has stuck with the team and continues to drive them.
“That loss definitely left a bad taste in our mouths,” he said. “We’ve been using that as motivation all offseason. Nobody wants to feel that again, so we’re doing everything we can to make sure this season ends differently.”
Despite early success and growing attention around the program, the Warriors remain focused on proving themselves week by week. The emphasis internally is on consistency, preparation, and continuing to build on the chemistry they’ve been developing since the offseason.
Beyond Westside’s success, the team’s rise reflects the continued growth of lacrosse in the region. The sport has gained momentum across Nebraska and the Midwest, with more athletes being drawn to the sport. Programs like Westside are helping lead that growth, raising the level of competition and visibility for high school lacrosse.
With a deep roster, strong leadership, and a defense that sets the tone, Westside may have one of its most complete teams in program history. But the work is far from over.
The next test comes Saturday, March 28, when the Warriors face Ankeny. It’s another opportunity to build momentum, and another chance to prove that this fast start is just the beginning. If the Warriors continue to play with this same intensity and discipline that they’ve shown so far, they won’t just be chasing redemption, they’ll be setting a whole new standard.
