It might be a long trip back home to Marblehead, but that bus ride will be anything but quiet after the Marblehead boys lacrosse team (21-0, seventh seed) took care of the second-seeded Nauset Warriors (17-4) in a Division 2 Elite 8 game on Nauset’s Eastham campus, 13-9, Monday afternoon, June 12. But before the Magicians left, there was a matter of picking up the Final 4 banner and trophy to signify that they are indeed one of the best Division 2 teams in the entire state.
Captain Connor Cronin led the way once again with five goals, including the final dagger in the hearts of the hometown Nauset fans with 2:05 left in the game. Baxter Jennings was close behind with four goals in this back and forth tough defensive battle. Carter Larimee netted two goals, and Gio Garibotto accounted for the other tally. Goalie Finn Maniaci came up with several close-in stops in the second half to help seal the deal.
The Magicians never trailed at the end of each period. They were ahead, 3-2 after one, 6-4 at halftime, and 11-9 after three.
Coach John Wilkens’ squad will now be getting ready for the Duxbury Clippers (19-3, third seed) in a Division 2 state semifinal game on Wednesday night, June 14, at Weymouth High School, starting at 6:30 p.m. The Clippers defeated Minnechaug (15-4, 11th seed), 13-4 in their Elite 8 contest.
More to come from the win over Nauset coming up in the Current.
