Boys’ lax humbled by Foxboro after 2-0 start

After starting the season with two big wins — including a dominant 17-0 performance against nonleague Dedham in the season opener — the CHS boys’ varsity lacrosse team fell back to earth a bit on Friday, falling at home to defending league champion Foxboro 14-3.

According to head coach Bill Bendell, this year’s squad just might be the most talented group he’s ever coached, led by junior captain Matt Malloy along with senior co-captains Max Kamin and TJ Lennon; however, with only two seniors and four juniors on the entire 27-man roster, there are bound to be some growing pains, as evidenced by Friday’s humbling defeat at the hands of the senior-laden Warriors.

The game wasn’t all bad, however, as the Bulldogs played well out of the gate and trailed just 6-2 at halftime. But then Foxboro took control and never let up, outscoring their hosts 8-1 in a lopsided second half.

“They really blew our doors off [after halftime],” Bendell acknowledged. “They were more physical; they beat us to every loose ball. They’re just a very, very good team.”

Sophomore Nick O’Connor was the lone bright spot for the Bulldogs, collecting all three goals in the loss.

Bendell said he was confident that Friday’s defeat would serve as a “wakeup call” for his young squad, and he promised that they would play “a lot better” the next time the two teams squared off.

Meanwhile, the Bulldogs have already proved what they are capable of after demolishing Dedham at home and then outlasting division foe Oliver Ames 9-5 on the road.

On Monday, Canton looked unstoppable against the Marauders, dominating faceoffs and scoring at will throughout the game.

Ten different players scored at least one point in the victory, led by Malloy, who finished with a team-high six goals and two assists. Junior attackman Calvin Winchell also had a big game with three goals and an assist, while freshman Ben Lodge shined in his varsity debut with two goals and two assists. Other top performers were sophomore JC Marcone, who had two goals and an assist, and Kamin, who added a pair of goals.

Junior Devin Costa, the team’s starting goalie, also had a strong performance, finishing with 10 saves and earning his first shutout. On Wednesday in Easton, the Bulldogs collected their first league victory despite missing Bendell, who was sick with the flu.

Kamin led the way with three goals, while Malloy continued his outstanding start with four more points (2 goals, 2 assists). Rounding out the scoring were sophomore midfielder Kurt Leavitt with two goals, and O’Connor and Winchell with one apiece. Although the offense carried the play in the first two games, Bendell said all of the team’s top defensemen have played well to start the season, led by sophomore Conor O’Brien and freshman Matt Bagley. Other key defenders include Andrew Mansfield and Rich Nee, as well as freshman Eric Wong, the team’s starting long-stick midfielder.

In terms of expectations, Bendell said his young squad would like to compete with Foxboro for the Davenport Division title, and they certainly hope to make a return trip to the Division 3 playoffs this year.

The good news is that the players have undeniable talent, and despite their youth, many of them have previous experience at the varsity level. What’s more, Bendell said a number of players have excelled in other sports — on the soccer field and on the ice, especially — and therefore they already know what it takes to win at a high level.

This week, the Bulldogs had two opportunities to get back on the winning track: Monday at Mansfield and Wednesday at home versus Sharon.

Next up is nonleague Medway on Tuesday, followed by a rematch with Dedham on Thursday, April 21.

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Posted by Jay Turner on Apr 14 2011. Filed under High School, Sports. Both comments and pings are currently closed.