Lacrosse: Loyola holds on to defeat Crespi, 10-8 [Video]

I promised to attend my first lacrosse game, and so Monday night’s Crespi-Loyola match helped introduce me to the sport.

Two evenly matched teams went at it, and the Cubs prevailed, 10-8, behind senior Max Meyer, who scored four goals.

For those who think lacrosse isn’t a contact sport, think again. The checks with the body and the constant use of the stick trying to knock the ball away was quite interesting. It’s fast paced, physical and requires lots of coordination and endurance.

The goalies have to be quick and smart. And age doesn’t matter. Loyola was relying on several freshmen, including Ryder Mora, who also plays football and is the son of UCLA football Coach Jim Mora.

I can see how the sport is gaining traction among lots of teenagers. But it’s still not an official Southern Section championship sport, because not enough schools play lacrosse. For now.

Eric.sondheimer@latimes.com