Lockport starts in midseason form

Fresh off capturing its first state trophy with a fourth-place finish last season, Lockport’s boys water polo team couldn’t wait to get back in the pool and shoot for a bigger prize in 2013.

So when other teams opened their seasons last week and the Porters had to wait until Tuesday night, it tested their patience.

“When a lot of teams started last week, all we could do was look at their scores and be envious,” Lockport’s Dan Oldendorf said. “We were really excited to finally get going. It felt really good.”

The outcome of Tuesday’s game against Metea Valley also produced good feelings, as the host Porters cruised to a 16-9 win.

“We had to dust off the cobwebs a little bit, but once we got going, it was a good game,” Oldendorf said.

Oldendorf led the Porters with six goals. Jake Elias scored three, and David Presz and Jake Knowles each had a pair of goals.

Alex Walker led Metea Valley (0-6) with three goals. Alex Vass and Steven Baro added two goals apiece.

Lockport started slow, with turnovers or offensive fouls on its first three possessions, before Elias scored on a laser three minutes in.

The Porters rolled from there, taking a 5-0 lead after one as Elias scored again, Oldendorf added two goals and Knowles one.

“That first goal really picked us up,” Elias said. “We knew some of the other guys who were playing varsity for the first time would be nervous. That first goal settled us down and we played really good.”

Tyler Trench made his first start in goalie, filling in for John Goetz — who had a work commitment — and made seven saves.

“It was nice to see him take some reps out there and do things the way he’s supposed to,” Lockport coach Joe Lewandowski said. “To have a strong backup goalie is a huge asset.”

Charlie Bentley, Jake Speechley and Matt Olinski each added a goal for the Porters.