Bulldogs offense erupts, down Lancers in Tuesday tilt

After being held to two goals over their last three games, the Notre Dame Bulldogs erupted for six goals in a 6-1 rout of the St. Pius X Lancers on Tuesday.

The win snapped a three-game skid for the Bulldogs.

“It feels really good,” Bulldogs coach Matt Vollink said. “One of the things we’ve talked about is we have a tough schedule, and we play tough teams. Hopefully, as the season goes on, those tough games against quality teams will pay off.”

While Vollink and his staff have a vision of how their strength of schedule will benefit them, the wins go a long way for players’ mentality.

“It makes you feel rewarded,” Vollink said. “That breeds confidence and all of the things that come along with winning. You need the wins even against tough competition.”

Picking up goals for the Bulldogs in the win was Emmett Pfeifer, Connor Adams with a hat trick, Bryce Sides and Diego Chahin.

“I think tonight was one of our better games,” Vollink said. “We have struggled throughout the season to get balls in behind and put defenses in that trouble position. Tonight we were able to do that. We got some balls in behind and then made some good passes and then the momentum built.”

Along with their impressive work getting balls behind the defense, Vollink liked the way they turned defense to offense.

“We talked before the game how they feed off each other,” Vollink said. “If offense plays well, the defense has confidence and their level raises. It all comes together nice, and they feed off each other.”

With Notre Dame leading by a wide margin, Vollink gave playing time to his reserves that don’t always get minutes at the varsity level.

“High school is all about team building,” Vollink said. “But, you also have to think about future building. You have to keep that in mind and get as many minutes for as many guys as you possibly can and help them feel confident.”

Notre Dame (6-7) will have a chance to get back to .500 when the Bulldogs travel to take on the Carbondale (Ill.) Terries at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 27 in Carbondale.

“We have to keep doing the same thing we’ve been trying to do,” Vollink said. “Move the team forward and get the balls in dangerous positions and try to have good things happen.”