The 18th ranked Martha's Vineyard lacrosse team made the long trip to take on Swampscott Monday, but ultimatley failed to top their opponents. Swampscott, coming off a two-game losing streak, jumped out early and then held on as it stunned Martha’s Vineyard 5-3.
The non-conference game meant little except for positioning in the state tournament.
Swampscott’s Patrick Kennedy struck first, pressuring Vineyarders goalie Nelson Dickson, who deflected his clearing pass. An errant throw was scooped up by Swampscott for the goal and a 1-0 lead. That lead jumped to a three with 2:33 left in the quarter.
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The quarter ended with Martha’s Vineyard in a deep early hole.
The veteran Martha’s Vineyard team would slowly claw its way back into the game. With 5:21 gone in the second quarter, the Vineyarders scored an unusual goal. A long pass from midfield was deflected past Swampscott goalie Mark McMahon to cut the lead to 3-1.
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The Vineyarders settled in and with 3:42 left scored again to cut the lead to 3-2, where it remained at the half.
Martha’s Vineyard dominated the early part of the second half, but with 4:28 to go in the third quarter, Swampscott went on the power play, climbing to a 4-2 lead.
Swampscott drew an early penalty to start the fourth quarter and Martha’s Vineyard made them pay. They scored just 2:05 into the quarter to cut the lead to 4-3.
Both teams battled back and forth, but neither team could seem to put anything in. Finally, Swampscott drove to the front of the net and beat Dickson for an insurance goal and a 5-3 lead. Swampscott killed the clock down the stretch as penalties stopped any chance of a Vineyard comeback.