Boys’ Lacrosse Crushes Tilton and Cushing

Last Friday, boys’ lacrosse won their game against Tilton School with a final score of 16-0. On Saturday, they dominated again at Cushing Academy, coming out 11-0.

Postgraduate Andrew Bowman and senior and co-captain Jimmy Young both stepped up as key players in the games, each scoring numerous goals. Despite the impressive outcomes, the games were not easy for the team. Senior Matthew Brooks said, “Both the game against Tilton on Friday and the game on Saturday against Cushing were lopsided on the scoreboard, but didn’t come easy.”

The challenges presented in the games offered opportunities for growth, however. “The games Friday and Saturday were really good for the overall improvement for the team,” upper Jake Malasek said.

“The games this weekend really highlighted the depth of our team, as a lot of younger guys really stepped up and helped us earn consecutive shutouts.”

This was especially true because so many people from the roster got the chance to play. Upper Matthew McShea agreed. He said, “The games this weekend really highlighted the depth of our team, as a lot of younger guys really stepped up and helped us earn consecutive shutouts.”

Defense also really showed their strength during the games, particularly with defensive duo seniors Jason Corcoran and Alex Farley. In addition, “[senior] Bryce Soucy has really been a difference maker for us, creating a lot of turnovers and getting the boys hyped,” McShea said.

McShea himself was crucial to the team’s success, with an impressive performance at the faceoff. Great goaltending from the goalies, senior Malcolm Ogden in particular, ensured that neither Tilton nor Cushing were able to score once.

However, the team still has areas they need to improve. “Our compete factor was there in both games, but we clearly made a few too many physical mistakes that caused turnovers,” Brooks said.

McShea agreed, and said, “We’re still working out our offensive chemistry, especially from the midfield. Our attack and defense are playing really well, and if we keep working on our midfield play, look out!”

Upper Bradley Ingersoll recognized the hard work that everyone has been putting in at practice everyday. “It’s awesome for everyone to play and get rewarded for their work,” he said.

However, he went on to say, “We could have improved on finishing for sure, and we had a ton of chances but didn’t score as much as we should have.”

Lower Peyton Weatherbie agreed with Ingersoll, and said, “The coaches wanted the team and offense as a whole to focus on putting the ball in the net this week in practice and finishing on our opportunities in our upcoming games.”

The team will focus on shooting in practice this week, looking to improve their scoring this weekend at Portsmouth Abbey.

Because it’s still early in the season, the team has time to work out its kinks, but according to Malasek, the team “needs to be ready to go pretty soon.” Brooks added that the boys seem to be moving in the right direction and that they “have some key games coming up that will test our tough and resilient team.”

The team will play Portsmouth Abbey School this Saturday.