Boys' Lacrosse Sails Past Hull Into Next Round of Playoffs

A few days ago Coach Jim LaSelva . A strong performance against a tough team could easily be followed by a disappointing loss to a lesser team. Games could easily see strong and weak halves.

The boys' lacrosse team faced an inexperienced team, as far as the post-season is concerned, in the preliminary round of the Div. 3 East tournament on Tuesday in Hamilton.

Unlike the past couple months, the host Generals played a complete game in all facets en route to a 15-3 rout of the Pirates.

The 9th-seeded Generals next travel to 8th-seeded Medway for a 5 p.m. game on Thursday.

“It seemed like the offense and defense were clicking at the same time,” said LaSelva. “If the team is going to play like this in the playoffs, I like that as a coach.

“Our attack played very well today. They were complementary of each other.”

It certainly didn’t begin that way.

As is common in teams that have never faced each other – many probably didn’t even know where their opponents were located – there was a feeling-out period. Hamilton-Wenham had the edge in play during that time, but once the first ball got past Hull goalie Anthony Angelis the game quickly spun out of control for the visitors.

After Spencer Bergholtz had given Hamilton-Wenham a 1-0 lead, the Generals got goals from Christian Valletti and a pair from Elliott Burr to quickly push the advantage to 4-0.

The score stayed that way until another quick burst at the end of the second period doubled the score to 8-0 - the score at the half. In a little less than 2 ½ minutes, Eddie Frick scored twice, starting with a perfectly placed shot to the far top corner from 15 feet out; Charlie Serpa cut down the middle of the offensive zone and tallied off a perfect pass from Valletti; and Valletti was the beneficiary of a good past from Parker Strong on a fast break attack that resulted in a 2-on-1.

Valletti (2 goals and 3 assists) and Burr (4 goals, 1 assist) led the way offensively, with Christian Ecker contributing with 1 goal and 3 assists.

“We really focused on everyone getting a touch,” said Valletti. “This was the type of performance we have wanted all season.”

At the same time, the defense clamped down on the South Shore squad. Hull’s opportunities were few and far between thanks for D-men Jake Stokes, Luke Drieze and Matt Vogus, as well as midfielders Brian Shaw and Matt Curran. Sophomore goalie Grant Thompson didn’t have to make too many saves but came up big when his number was called.

“This was one of our best games top to bottom, from Grant to the offense,” LaSelva added.

Berholtz finished with 1 goal and 2 assists, Frick had 2 goals and 1 assist, with Serpa (2 goals), Stokes (2 goals), Michael Spearing (1 goal) and Strong (1 assists) also making the scoring sheet.

“They obviously had a lot more firepower than we did,” said Hull coach Chris Weber, who noted his leading scorer, Ryan Weber, had to take a seat for the rest of the game in the first period after taking a big hit.

“This is the first time we have been in the playoffs and this is the first time (the program) has had a winning season. It was an honor just to get here.”