Western

Jackson Lacrosse goalie Hikaru Matzen has produced nearly 40 saves in net in the last two games. By Jeff Steers JTV Sports (April 14, 2024 7:30 AM ET) A year ago, the only sticks and balls Western High School student-athlete Hikaru Matzen cared about were golf clubs and Titleists. But the Western High School senior is one of nearly three dozen players participating in a cooperative program playing lacrosse for Jackson. The team consists of players from Jackson, Western, Northwest, Lumen Christi, and Michigan Center. Matzen joined the team a couple of months ago and is the starting goalie for Jackson. He learned the position using an interesting method. “I spent a lot of time sitting in my room and watching YouTube,” Matzen said. “The Princeton (University) goalie is really good with a lower stance.” Matzen played hockey for eight years and golf for the last three years. He made the switch to lacrosse during his senior season. He enjoys the physical aspect of the sport and compares it to his experience playing hockey. Jackson Head Coach David Flack said the program started about a couple of years ago when a lacrosse clinic was presented to students – pre-Covid. A…