The Highland boys’ lacrosse team came into Wednesday night’s game against the Cornwall Dragons, shorthanded.

The Huskies were down four players for a variety of reasons and lost another early in the second quarter due to injury in a 12-4 loss at Kristi Babcock Memorial Park in New Windsor.

“We played a lot of defense,” Highland coach Tom Schlappich said. “We struggled to get the ball cleared. When we would make a save or have the opportunity, our youth showed. We have a significantly young team and it’s continually getting younger with injuries. It’s a learning experience.”

The game’s result was never in doubt as the Dragons built a 4-1 lead after the first quarter of play, before Highland’s Eben Yager cut the lead to 4-2 with the Huskies’ only goal of the second quarter.

However, the Huskies’ defense took a hit early in the second quarter when Thalan Riley left the game with an injury.

“He’s an integral cog in the defense,” Schlappich said. “We lost him, plus we were down four games coming into this game for a variety of reasons, it was like looking around, and seeing who’s left.”

At the end, there were only 16 players left against a Cornwall team that was playing at full strength on its Senior Night.

Logan Conforti led the Dragons with three goals and two assists, and Brennan Burns had three goals and one assist. Nolan Olsen had three goals. Will Garrison had two goals, and Eli Barry had one goal and one assist. C.J. Barry had an assist.

John Westbrook made 11 saves for the Dragons.

“They have a good reputation,” Schlappich said. “They have a lot of seniors that have played the game. We have played better defensively.”

The best part of the defense for the Huskies was Landon Zehr, who was under fire all night from the Cornwall attack. He finished with 10 saves.

“Landon is a phenomenal goalie,” Schlappich said. “Without out a doubt, I think he’s the best goalie I’ve coached. He’s keeping us in games and making people look good when, by all rights, they got beaten. I couldn’t be happier with the job Landon’s been doing.”

When the Huskies were able to muster some offense, they were able to capitalize, but didn’t have enough offensive output to overcome the Dragons.

Ben Canino led the Huskies with a goal and an assist. Carson Palmer, Logan Davis and Matt Castellani had a goal each. Luke Wiese had an assist.

The Huskies had lost six straight before snapping the skid on May 1 with a 15-5 win over the James I. O’Neill Raiders at home.

“We’re looking for gradual improvement,” Schlappich said. “We’re going to make mistakes. We just want to limit mistakes and start making steps forward. As we move game to game, I’m seeing that. It’s tough when the score isn’t indicative of the growth that we’re seeing. So, things are looking good.”