Boys' Lacrosse Racks Up Two Wins Versus NMH and Winchendon

On Saturday, boys’ varsity lacrosse defeated Northfield Mount Hermon at home, winning 10-5. In an even more emphatic victory, they destroyed Winchendon on Wednesday, 17-3. Next Saturday, they will play Deerfield in a highly anticipated away game, as Exeter has not beaten Deerfield in 21 years despite many close games in their past few meetings.Saturday’s game against NMH fully demonstrated the talent and high-level play that Big Red has exhibited for several games now. Exeter jumped right into play after the opening whistle, scoring immediately after winning the first faceoff and again after the second.Exeter strived to keep up their high momentum on the field. However, NMH stayed close behind them, both on the scoreboard and on the field. By halftime, the score was 5-3, Exeter.NMH put up a much stronger defense in the third, and Exeter worked hard in combating their offensive strategy. Before the end of the period, Big Red enjoyed an offensive outburst, scoring four goals in quick succession. The final score was 10-5, Exeter. The game was a good display of both the team dynamic and the individual talent on the squad.“I think almost everyone on the team was really happy with how they played individually,” senior Christian Ayscue said. “NMH started to play a little dirty later in the game when they realized they were going to lose, and everyone started to get a little rowdy.” Ayscue spoke animatedly of several illegal checks he received, and others he saw occur without intervention from the referees. Overall, the game went well, however, and Big Red went on to have another successful victory.Yesterday, Exeter destroyed Winchendon in a home game, winning 17-3. Within the first quarter, senior Dan Mini had a hat trick, upper David Ayscue had two goals and lower Winston Smith also had one. Lower goalie Thomas Stockham shut out Winchendon for the entire first half, and the score at halftime was 7-0, Exeter.“We got the starters out immediately; the second line, especially the preps, were playing by the second,” lower Tucker Lemos said. In the second quarter, Winchendon continued on their downward spiral, though they managed to slip one goal past Stockham on a tricky offensive play. Exeter’s defense worked hard to keep their opponent at bay and were mostly successful in their attempts. Prep Nick McCall was the second player to get a hat trick, scoring three goals in the second, and senior captain Forrest Corcoran scored once. The score at halftime was 11-1, with Exeter dominating the field.“Everyone got to play,” Lemos said, “and the starters were able to rest while others played, so they’ll be ready for Deerfield. The preps in general are strong players; we’re going to have a strong squad in the coming years. Nick McCall had an outstanding performance.”Lower Will Edwards agreed, adding about McCall, “It can safely be said he throws smoke, and Alex Farley bundied a kid.”After halftime, Winchendon seemed revitalized; however, they were unable to dent Exeter’s lead or make up for their earlier mistakes. McCall had his wrapped up a spectacular double hat trick, leading the game’s score sheet. Senior Pat Lackey had two goals, and upper Nick duPont scored one goal. The last quarter went by quickly, as players were eager to finish due to rainy conditions, and the final score was 17-3, Exeter.“Today was a great team win,” lower Winston Smith, who won 15 of the 16 face offs in addition to his six goals, said. “We were able to get everyone involved and contributing. We need to carry this momentum into our game against Deerfield.”Preparations for this Saturday’s away game against Deerfield are taking place on and off the field. “This game will be huge because we haven't won in 21 years,” Heald said, “and I think we have the talent to do it this year. We've been going over a lot of new wrinkles in our offense this week, and we’re working on playing the best way we possibly can, specifically against Deerfield.” Last year, Deerfield won in overtime in a heartbreaking loss for Exeter, who had a nearly spotless season record.