By Adam Henschel
The Mashpee Falcon boys lacrosse team this week had a potentially season-changing overtime win against Bourne, a top-ranked program in the state.
For the Mashpee boys lacrosse team, the brunt of their schedule being placed almost entirely in the first half of the season provided the Falcons with a rude awakening and a disappointing start to this season.
The Mashpee Falcon boys lacrosse team this week had a potentially season-changing overtime win against Bourne, a top-ranked program in the state.
For the Mashpee boys lacrosse team, the brunt of their schedule being placed almost entirely in the first half of the season provided the Falcons with a rude awakening and a disappointing start to this season.
For a team with high expectations heading into the 2017 season, a 3-7 record prior to Monday seemed not only surprising but flat out discouraging. Losses to top ranked teams such as Norwell, Cohasset and Hull left the loss column inflated and playoff hopes looking bleak.
Heading into Tuesday's matchup against the Bourne Canalmen (8-1), Mashpee was the clear underdog and was expected to have a tough day against a squad lead by Bridgton Academy commit Zach Wirsen and senior goalie Sam Lyons. However, in the first half Mashpee came out playing crisp with precise passes and lots of possession time as they led a methodical offensive charge quarterbacked by midfielder Jake Johnston.
Mashpee drew the first blood of the contest on a nip from Max Burke early in the first quarter. The shot came from the top of the box, seemingly catching Bourne's defense off-guard. Following the early Mashpee strike, Bourne took advantage of Mashpee short stick midfielders and notched several consecutive goals. Mashpee, however, would not be silenced and scrapped back with two goals leaving the score 6-3 Bourne at half time.
The second half was truly where Mashpee took over as they outscored Bourne 9-5 and slowed down Bourne's high-tempo offense that has a reputation for putting up double digit points in almost every one of their contests.
Senior back-up goalie Jake Hurley was a stalwart in net, getting an astounding 26 saves and stepping up at a time in which his team needed him most. His emergence as a star came due to the fact that a senior captain and starting goalie for Mashpee was suspended for the game.
Second half scorers for Mashpee included Ben Bohnenberger, Bobby Nasuti, Max Burke, and Jake Johnston, who ripped one in the closing seconds of regulation to send the game into overtime. As the clock wound down and the extra period was under way Mashpee's offense held possession and rattled off several missed shots as their strong defense sat back, leaving all the pressure on an offense that had struggled at times throughout the year.
Rolling left and then right, Johnston created enough havoc to gain space between him and his defender and was then able to seal the deal with snipe between the keeper's legs. The entire Mashpee bench swarmed the junior captain, tackling their star player in a display of resounding excitement.
With an unexpected win under their belts, Mashpee once again emerged into the playoff picture improving their record to 5-7. Following a win at Cape Cod Tech on May 11, the Falcons improved to 6-7 and are three wins away from being eligible to compete in the Massachusetts state tournament.
A goal that once seemed out of reach is now in the crosshairs, as the coaches and players are seemingly met with a new fire to drive them. A three-game win streak since May 8, and and a huge win over the top-rated Bourne team provided the Falcons with confidence.
The upcoming schedule features many winnable games, meaning tournament might not be as far out of reach as people had previously thought and the momentum of the Falcons is in their favor. Nine wins is the goal for a Mashpee team that yearns to make it back to state lacrosse tournament for what will be only the third time in school history, as they hope to make their mark in the record books.