Rye High’s boys varsity lacrosse team split its opening two games of the season, but don’t be fooled by what appears to be an evenly divided record: They cruised to a win in their first game against Victor High, while fighting to the bitter end against a national powerhouse in the single loss.

Rye opened the season April 4 with a 3-3 tie at the half against Victor before the offense hit its stride with six additional goals. And the team’s solid defense held its opponent to only one more goal, resulting in a 9-4 victory.

After the game, Coach Steve Lennon said both the Garnets’ defense and junior goalkeeper Ty Ramchandran had been outstanding. He was also pleased with the offense’s shot selection, with the majority of the shots coming from the center of the field. Sophomore Henry Shoemaker, junior Tucker Hess, and junior Tyler McDermott each scored two goals, while the defense was led by senior James Lewis; juniors Matt Gianetti, Chris Iuliano, and Gage Sasse; and sophomore Nigel Strazzini.

Just two days later, Rye traveled to Westport, Conn., to take on nationally ranked Staples High School (ninth overall as of the April 4 edition of USA Lacrosse Magazine).

The game was tied 2-2 at halftime. Staples jumped to a 5-2 lead early in the third quarter and seemed headed toward a lopsided win. But Staples was not to score again on that Saturday afternoon — and Rye rallied to close the gap to 5-4.

With 10 seconds remaining in the game, Hess got off a shot that would have tied the score, but it hit the crossbar and Rye’s rally fell short. McDermott had two goals in defeat, while senior Tripp Redd, junior Archie Berkery, and freshman Henry Gilroy each added a goal.

As in the opening game against Victor High, Ryes’ defensive group was stellar and Ramachandran had a remarkable 10 saves in goal.

Rye’s next game will be 6 p.m. Tuesday at John Jay Cross River, followed two days later by a 5 p.m. home game at Nugent Stadium against Mamaroneck High.