The high school lacrosse regular season has hit its midway point, and Lexington County’s top teams are starting to gain separation from their competition. 

River Bluff’s boys and Lexington’s girls are two area teams that have taken advantage of strong starts. The Gators began this week undefeated with a (7-0) record. The Wildcats are (5-2) overall and riding a four-game winning streak into this week. 

The Gators have leaned on an explosive offense to power their perfect start. River Bluff was the first team in its conference to reach the 100-goal mark, scoring 106 through its first seven games. 

Players like Kyle Jenkins, Banks Smith and Jackson Register have led the charge. Michael Shields has been instrumental in earning the team extra possessions by winning a high percentage of his faceoffs. 

When other teams do manage to possess the ball, River Bluff has also played great defense. The Gators have held their opponents to 37 goals this season, the second fewest in their district. 

River Bluff’s perfect start will be put to the test this week when Chapin visits for a game between the cross-county rivals. The Eagles are also off to a solid start this season, sitting at (5-2) overall. 

Chapin, River Bluff and Lexington are the top three teams in the conference currently, starting district play a combined (6-0). 

On the girls side, it’s Lexington that has taken an early advantage, holding a (3-0) district record and (5-2) overall. 

The Wildcats earned wins over Clover and River Bluff last week, beating their opponents by a combined score of 37-6. The Wildcats have 60 goals on the season and have allowed just 13. 

The game against River Bluff was crucial for the fight in the conference standings. Both teams entered the matchup (2-0) in district games, and the winner would earn the tie-break over the loser at the end of the season.

Lexington took the win 15-5 behind a seven-goal performance from Lily Sundell. Mckenna Bowen added three goals, and Lillian Young had two. 

Mason Harrelson led the Gators with two goals. The Wildcats put pressure on goalie Mary Stone all game, getting 28 shots on goal. Stone saved 13. 

Despite the loss, River Bluff is still sitting in a good position. The Gators are just behind Lexington at (6-2) overall and (2-1) in conference. The team faces another high hurdle this week when it travels to Chapin to play the Eagles. 

Lexington will continue to test itself, playing three games this week against Spring Valley, Greenbrier and Irmo. 

Upcoming games to watch 

Chapin vs. River Bluff girls - March 19 

River Bluff vs. Chapin boys - March 19

Lexington vs. Evans girls - March 24

Gilbert at Fox Creek boys - March 25

Last week’s scoreboard 

Chapin boys - Spring Valley (17-3, W), White Knoll (18-0, W), Southlake Carroll (11-7, L)

Chapin girls - Christ Church (16-6, W)

Dutch Fork boys - Lexington (15-13, L), Catawba Ridge (12-11, OT W)

Dutch Fork girls - Lakeside (18-7, L), Heathwood Hall (13-12, L)

Lexington boys - Dutch Fork (15-13, W), Fort Mill (8-3, L)

Lexington girls - Clover (22-1, W), River Bluff (15-5, W)

River Bluff boys - Hammond (14-3, W), Greenbrier (13-3, W)

River Bluff girls - Aiken (16-8, W), Lexington (15-5, L), Catawba Ridge (21-6, W)

White Knoll boys - Chapin (18-0, L)

White Knoll girls - Irmo (14-4, W) 

Gilbert boys - Laurence Manning (17-3, L)

Irmo girls - White Knoll (14-4, L), Trinity Collegiate (18-4, L)