By Ed Wehde
WSL Special Correspondent

SANTA ANA, Calif. – Even some of the world’s top lacrosse players can use a half to mesh.

After a hit-and-miss opening 30 minutes in the first-ever professional lacrosse showcase all-star game at the inaugural LMX Pro Tour event, the play improved on both sides of the ball, and Team Cascade pulled away to beat Team STX, 8-6, at Santa Ana Municipal Stadium on Saturday .

“It was pretty sloppy early on, and we were looking to clean it up,” Cascade attackman Ryan Hoff said. “I think we did a pretty good job cleaning up, and it started clicking for us.”

It was 3-3 at halftime before STX took the lead on Corey Calhoun's goal three minutes into the second half. But Cascade responded with three straight goals – one by Graham Gill and two by Jon Walker.

“We always talk about the quick whistle – you know, 'Pick it up and go, pick it up and go,' and we got a couple one-on-ones with the goalie there,” Cascade coach Chris Malone said. “I think we got everyone involved and started burying some shots.”

STX coach Mike Watson said he thought fatigue affected his team during that stretch. Also, they made a strategic miscue.

“I think we got a little tired, and we got away from playing team lacrosse,” Watson said. “We subbed a couple times when we were on defense and gave them some fast breaks, and you just can't do that.”

Both coaches said they thought the play was less then stellar early on, mainly because the teams had not played together extensively. Cascade had only two practices together.

“Some of these guys played together for the first time last night,” Malone said. “When you start getting some more touches and start taking some more shots, you feel a little more comfortable and things start working better for everyone.”

Hoff led both teams with three goals and Walker netted the pair in the third quarter. STX got six goals from six different scorers.

“I think first and foremost we wanted to have fun and show the fans a good time,” Hoff said.

“I also think it was pretty competitive. You have the best players in the world out here so you want to show up and play well. We want to grow the sport, so the three main things were having fun, playing well and playing hard. That's what we tried to do.”