The Lawrence Parks and Rec Kindergarten Futsal league offers young players the chance to learn the basic skills of the game through a fun and exciting environment. The Rattlesnakes and Hornets worked to do just that on Saturday at Holcom Park Center.

Players from both teams said they didn’t care about winning or losing because the game was a fun learning experience no matter the score. While no official scores or season records are kept, the Hornets got the better of the Rattlesnakes with the help of a strong goalie and the teamwork and passing of the forwards.

“We have been focusing on dribbling,” Hornets head coach Mark Craig said. “This is the first time playing for some, so we have really been focusing on ball control and handling.”

The Rattlesnakes also worked to show the improvement in their game heading into the final week of the season. The Rattlesnakes led through the first half as they scored a goal past a distracted Hornets goalie.

The Hornets’ goalie rescued two potential Rattlesnake goals to keep within striking distance. The Hornets gained control of a speeding ball and heaved it in the direction of the net, finding the back of the goal. The team sought out holes in the Rattlesnakes’ defense and racked up four shots on goal before the clock expired on the first half.

Craig said his team didn’t give up hope even when the Hornets finished the first half trailing the Rattlesnakes.

“I was proud of the way they kept hustling and didn’t give up,” Craig said. “Even when we were behind they came back to score two goals in the second.”

The Hornets secured those two goals with the assistance of Ellie Houston. Houston snuck by the Rattlesnakes to drive the ball into the net.

Hornets forwards practice drills before the start of their game with the Rattlesnakes Saturday at Holcom Park Center. The Kindergarten league Hornets used their passing skills to record a victory.

“I really like being competitive and scoring goals,” Houston said about her favorite part of the game.

Rattlesnake Samantha Mallonee echoed Houston’s sentiment. Mallonee said getting the chance to kick the ball was her favorite part.

Before the time was up for the Rattlesnakes, Mallonee and her team got the chance to kick the ball. Rattlesnake Abby Hale rocketed the ball towards the team’s end of the field. The Rattlesnake’s goalie also stopped a Hornet goal before it reached the net.

Both teams worked hard to finish out the game with some goals, though the most important aspect was that each player had fun playing. Before leaving the court, Houston said that that mission was one certainly accomplished.

“It just was a really fun and exciting game,” Houston said.