After seven games, the Marblehead High boys lacrosse team (3-4) is still trying to find its way in order to put a winning streak together to regain that elite status that has been a part of the program for the last several years. And veteran coach John Wilkens knows it’s in the realm of possibilities.
“Of the four losses we have had in the early going, we lost three of them by a total of only four goals,” Wilkens said. “We basically did it to ourselves with self-inflicted wounds like bad passes during critical times. We just have to learn how to finish games.”
With that said, Wilkens has the belief that they can get the job done. “This group is very competitive. They constantly work very hard, but they just need to make better decisions.”
The Marblehead boys lost two games last week that they could have easily won. They dropped an 11-9 decision to host Wakefield on April 21, before losing an even more agonizing game to visiting Masco in overtime two days later, 11-10.
In the game against Wakefield, the Magicians were trailing at halftime, 9-2. But this game proved their resiliency. “One of their great traits is that they never get down on themselves,” Wilkens said.
Sophomore Will Sullivan was the offensive leader in this game with four goals and one assist. Reece Moore had the hat trick. James Achterof accounted for one goal and one assist. Tyler Forbes notched one score.
Junior goalie Colin Maniaci made 11 saves to keep his teammates in the game, especially during the second half comeback bid. “(Maniaci) has come a long way, and is doing very well,” said Wilkens.
Maniaci had to step up to fill-in for Finn Gallup, who hurt his wrist during the basketball season, and he’s taking full advantage of the opportunity.
Against Masco, Sullivan once again paced the offensive attack with five goals and one assist. Moore collected two goals and one assist. Forbes chipped in with one goal and two assists. Kyle Thibodeau and Achterof each had a goal. Ben Zamansky was the assist leader with two, while Sean Dolan set up one score.
Maniaci came up with 13 saves to help send this game into overtime.
It was a low scoring game at halftime, with the Magicians holding a slim 5-4 advantage. “This game came down to two bad passes by us, one at the end of regulation that set up the tying score and the other one in overtime that made Masco’s game-winner possible,” said Wilkens.
“We just have to find the right combinations, and get back to the fundamentals.”
And with 11 games still left on the regular season schedule, they are still very much in the state tournament picture. But they want to be among the leaders in Division 2 to get a home game or two to start the postseason. The talent is definitely there to reach that goal, as well. They were the 20th seed last year in the power rankings after finishing up the regular season with a 14-4 record.
