The Wilton High School boys lacrosse team appears to be gathering momentum as the postseason is drawing closer.
Mike Francia scored four goals - three in the first half - as the Warriors coasted to a 15-8 victory over Norwalk on Tuesday afteroon.
Wilton (7-3) has won four straight since a disappointing home loss to Darien on
April 22. It also marks the fourth straight double-digit performance for the Wreckers, who have outscored their last opponents, 58-19.
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Wilton never trailed, with its scoring coming in bunches throughout the game. Coach John Wiseman urged his players to "get some white on it," as Norwalk was clearly outmatched in almost every aspect of the game.
The Warriors' intensity on offense created excellent scoring opportunities for their attackers in both set pieces and through transition. Francia's hat trick helped Wilton open a 10-4 halftime lead.
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After falling behind 3-0, Norwalk coach Chris McGee called a timeout to regroup his players. It seemed to work, as the Bears (4-6) scored twice in 11 seconds to narrow the deficit, but it would be as close as they came in the match.
"Let's go in there and get dirty," Wiseman shouted at his players, who responded immediately.
Eight seconds after Norwalk's second goal, the Warriors replied with three unanswered goals, finishing an exciting first quarter up, 7-4.
Francia epitomized the aggressive style of play that quickly wore down the Norwalk defenders. Bears goalie Robert Romano was terrorized throughout the game by turnovers in the defensive zone that led to quick Wilton goals.
Francia's third goal came off a jumping steal and put-back off Romano's errant clearing attempt.
Norwalk battled back but for as good as Wilton's offense played, the Warriors' goaltenders played even better.
Devyn Jeffereis started for Wilton and was spectacular, surrendering only four goals in one half of work.
Sam Sommers came in to close out the game and was equally brilliant, if not better in the second half, providing plenty of footage for the highlight reel.
