The Masco boys’ lacrosse team picked up their first win of the season on Monday night against Danvers in their home opener, winning the game 11-8.
In the first half of the game, it was a back and forth affair, with the momentum of the game up for grabs. Masco controlled the play in the opening minutes, pressuring the Falcons in their own zone, but the first goal of the game would be scored by Danvers.
Masco would strike back, beginning to take better control of the ball and after a Falcons penalty. Masco was able to take advantage of the man-up advantage, as a shot rocketed in by junior Tony Giacchino from the top of the attack area tied the game at 1.
Going into the second quarter, the Falcons led Masco 2-1 after a late first quarter goal by Danvers, but in the second, Masco began to gain confidence with their ball movement, as the passing became more crisp.
“We went into the game with the intention of dictating the tempo and valuing possession of the ball. We were able to play fast throughout the game, but struggled to value possession,” said head coach Chris Roach. “We continued to emphasize the importance of maintaining possession by going hard for ground balls and connecting on passes. Once we improved in those aspects, we were able to gain some momentum later in the game when we needed it.”
This passing would be a catalyst for the offense of Masco throughout the day. Masco scored many goals in transition with senior captain Madden Bernier leading the way. Bernier, throughout the game, was able to push the pace of play with his speed, putting Danvers defenders on their heels.
“Madden is a great on-ball defender, and he communicates well to his defensive teammates on the field,” said Roach. “He also has the athleticism, stick skill and IQ to push transition, which results in him leading several fast breaks and ending the day with 2 assists for us.”
Another Masco player who had an outstanding game to lead the Cheftians to the win was senior captain Owen McNally. McNally had a hat trick in the game for the Chieftains, with his first goal coming in the second quarter to tie the game up at 3. The goal featured an outstanding individual effort from McNally, who showed impressive strength in defending off multiple defenders to get his shot off.
“I liked the matchup that I had, and I used my size to muscle it through a couple of guys before getting to my spot to get a shot off,” said McNally.
In the second half, Bernier was able to find McNally twice on his second and third goals of the game.
“Owen had a stellar game. He has been one of the most consistent scorers for this team over the past couple of years,” said Bernier. “He and I have been playing together since the third grade and when we get on the field, the chemistry between us is there.”
For McNally, he also has great praise for his teammate and friend.
“Madden has been huge for us this season,” said McNally. “I’m glad he made his way onto the score sheet in the last game because what he does for this team doesn’t always show up on the stat sheet. We are super lucky to have a guy like that on defense.”
Masco continued to score early in the fourth quarter, as freshman Colin Driscoll scored in transition to make the score 8-6 and junior John Miga fired a shot by the goalie to make the score 9-6.
Later in the fourth quarter, with the Chieftains holding onto a slim two goal lead, following a Danvers goal to make it 9-7, transition offense and impressive passing would be the difference in the game.
On a highlight reel play, senior captain Robbie Engel sent a sensational end to end pass down the field to Bernier, who would make a behind the back pass to McNally, who tossed it over to sophomore Colten Russo, who flicked the ball over the head of the goalie and into the net for the Chieftains 10th goal of the game.
Bernier, who was the first to receive the incredible pass from Engel, had complimentary words for his teammate.
“Engel is the hardest working kid I know and it truly shows on the field,” said Bernier. “He is the player that will make play after play that will go unnoticed and will not say a word. He is what Masco Lacrosse is all about.”
This goal would put the game on ice, giving the Chieftains a 3 goal lead with just over 3 minutes remaining in the game.
“We have a big stretch of conference games coming up,” said Roach. “We need to stack up productive days of practice, while competing and executing at a high level on game days.”
