Roger Hegeman opened his fourth season Friday with Highland’s boys’ lacrosse team on the turf in Marlboro against Washingtonville.

It was cold for the 6:45 p.m. start time, and the wind would never settle down. But the elements seemed to have no bearing on Hegeman’s focus, and he scored within the first two and a half minutes of the opening face-off.

Hegeman scored four goals in the game, ending the contest with his 100th career goal.

“It’s a great achievement to have,” said Hegeman.

Hegeman, who joined the varsity team as a freshman, has only experienced winning with Highland, ending each of his previous seasons with sectional title.

“Each and every year he has gotten better,” said Tom Schlappich, Highland’s coach.

Highland has many players on offense that are a constant threat to opposing defenses, and Hegeman, on attack and as midfielder, is one of those weapons.

“He’s great finisher,” said Schlappich. “He sees the field well.”

Hegeman started playing lacrosse in the fourth grade. And when he entered high school, he joined the varsity team.

“I just fell in love with the game,” said Hegeman, after the 10-5 victory over Washingtonville.

And that passion has led Hegeman to help Highland become an annual sectional champion.

“He’s more of a goal guy than he is an assist guy,” said Schlappich. “But that’s fine. We need people to put the ball in the back of the cage.”

Highland returned this season as the Section 9, Class C defending champion and moved up to Class B with Warwick, Valley Central and Minisink, teams that have been sectional powers in the past.

And Hegeman is expected to contribute much this season as his team seeks another sectional title.

“He’s going to have a big year for us, I believe,” said Schlappich.

After he graduates from Highland, Hegeman may go to community college and not play lacrosse next season.