Girls Lax Advances in State Tourney

Mustangs Knock Off Haverhill, 13-7, Saturday Morning

– Allison Goldsberry

It was a history-making day for the Mustang varsity girls lacrosse team, as Medford advanced past the preliminary round in the state tournament with a 13-7 victory over Haverhill on Saturday.

“We live another day. We get to travel to Lincoln-Sudbury June 1. It should be a tough one,” said Head Coach Matt Galusi.

The Mustangs defeated Haverhill for the third and final time and improved their record to 13-4. Sophomore goalie Rachel Keen made a staggering twenty-two saves to help lift her team to victory.

“She was just turning back shot after shot. I was amazed,” said Coach Galusi.

Junior Maddie Forcier led all Mustang scorers with four goals and two assists. Senior captain Mary Barber had four assists, while freshman Katherine Timmins and senior captain Lauren O’Connor both netted two goals and had one assist. Senior Leanne Bordonaro had two goals and senior captain Francesca Alfonso added one goal.

Jamie DeRosas netted her first goal of the season and it couldn’t have come at a better time, as early back and forth action almost had the game tied at half time.

“It came at such a pivotal time of the game. It really gave us that extra little push we needed and we never looked back,” said Coach Galusi.

The victory was a sweet one for Coach Galusi, who is pumped to see his team advancing in the state tournament.

“This is the greatest team. I am so proud of these girls. The future is so bright for us. They’re just getting it done and I couldn’t be happier,” said Galusi.

Medford heads to top seed Lincoln-Sudbury (14-4) on Tuesday, June 1 for a 5:00pm game. The winner of that game will play either Reading (13-6) or Chelmsford (11-6-1).