ARHS Boys Lax Central Mass. Division II Champs

The boys lacrosse team at Algonquin Regional High School were crowned the Central Massachusetts Division Two champs on Saturday when it beat rivals St. John's in a tight 10-9 game that included overtime.

"The effort by the boys on this team has been outstanding all season, especially during the playoff run," said Coach Rich Luongo.

The team is now 19-4 overall and will take on Longmeadow on Tuesday, June 14, in the state semi-finals at 7 p.m. at Foley Stadium in Worcester. Algonquin lost to Longmeadow early in the season 8-4, "but we are a different team now and I am sure they will be taking us seriously when we match up on Tuesday," said Luongo.

Saturday's match was led by sophomore Davis Kraft, who landed four goals, including the overtime game winner (at the 1:49 mark).

Davis, said Luongo, stepped up and played much like a senior. 

Senior Attackman Zack Tarallo tied the game with 5:10 left in the fourth quarter, when Algonquin's defense took over, making several critical stops to keep the score deadlocked at 9-9, according to Luongo. 

Senior Captain Nick Mazzola took control the defense, said Luongo, "and the boys knew that they would have to make several defensive stands to keep the game deadlocked. Kyle Stewart had a great game in goal, making seven saves and some keys ones down the stretch, as well as solid defensive play by Patrick Murphy and R.J. Wood."

Junior Attackman Conor Healey also sailed in one goal and had assists, and according to Luongo, "played his best game of the season, with great ball control and critical feeds and a big goal.

"Tim Hanlon was superb at the long stick midfield position, with some critical stops and great play on the wing. Mike Leone has been our best all-around midfielder in the tournament and has logged a ton of minutes on both sides of the field. David Mcgovern (junior midfielder) also had a goal and has been our biggest offensive threat at the midfield all season. Ian Kemper (senior attackman) had a critical goal with 0.5 second remaining in the 2nd quarter."

Luongo added that Mike Fucci (senior midfielder) made his return after suffering a broken collar-bone earlier in the season, "and has been our best short stick midfielder for the past two seasons. He had limited play but he was a boost to the team and played quite well when he was on the field."