Boys Lacrosse Team Has Eyes Set on State Tourney

– Allison Goldsberry

Midway through the season the boys varsity lacrosse team has a 9-2 record and is just one win away from qualifying for the state tournament.

After its second loss of the season on Saturday to Natick, the Mustangs bounced back and earned wins against Matignon and Lowell Catholic on Monday and Tuesday.

“We had an intense Sunday morning practice to get ourselves geared up for the Monday showdown with Matignon,” said Head Coach Chris Doyle.

And what a showdown it was! The Matignon game, played under the lights at home, went into double overtime, with Medford pulling out the 10-9 win in the end.

“There was a lot of excitement on the sidelines as we went into the second overtime,” said Doyle. “This game was intense…The game ended with a [Eric] Baptista shot that literally went through the net!”

Doyle said the team struggled on face-offs again, winning only two the entire game. The defense did a “good job” of forcing takeaways while Steve Center made “many big saves” in goal for Medford. Another newcomer to the game, Nick Olivier, “played a terrific game at close defense, shutting down his man most of the day,” said Coach Doyle.

Owen Healey made a “great steal of a pass” to get the Mustangs the final possession they needed. Anthony Tortora had three goals and an assist and Ryan McCarthy added three goals. Chris McCarthy had two goals and three assists and both Brian Whooley and Baptista each added a goal and an assist.

Coming off the excitement of the Matignon victory Monday night, Medford defeated Lowell Catholic 12-6 on Tuesday afternoon. The Mustangs previously defeated Lowell Catholic, its lacrosse program in its first season, 15-1, so the game was an opportunity to “extend the bench to some younger players and call ups,” said Coach Doyle.

“We were able to get every kid with a jersey on some playing time, which is great for the program,” said Doyle.

Sophomore goalies Andrew Modugno and Paul Howard split time in the net while Brendan Baker, Olivier, Steve Mahoney, Jimmy Cecchini and Joe McCaffrey all played well on defense along with the midfield. Josh Nelson and Rob Keith came in on defense in the second half.

Chris McCarthy had four goals and an assist, Dan Bozovic added four goals, and Healey contributed two assists. Whooley had a goal and “three really nice assists,” including one to Connor Lonergan for his first goal of the year. Corey Mortell and Tortora each added a goal.

Two freshman impressed the coach and more senior players during the game. Justin McDonald and John Avola “played great” in the second half, “winning ground balls and making smart passes,” said Coach Doyle.

“We have an offense and defensive award given out after every game, passed on from the player who received it prior. These two guys were given the offensive award, which is a tribute to both the hard work they put in for the game, and the class and respect of the full time varsity players,” said Doyle.

Medford is 9-2 heading into its game at North Quincy on Friday. The Mustangs are 2-0 in the GBL. A win on Friday would seal a state tournament bid for the Mustangs.