Despite First Loss, Wildcats Riding Historic Start

The Wilmington High School boys lacrosse team came out of the gates blazing with a historic start. Despite a speed bump on Tuesday afternoon versus Arlington, the Wildcats expect to get right back on track as they cruise towards their first-ever postseason appearance.

Visiting Arlington led throughout Tuesday’s contest at Woburn Street School. After falling behind 8-3 entering the final quarter, Wilmington came to life and pulled within two goals before eventually falling by a 9-6 margin.

It was the first loss of the season for Wilmington, which has turned from an also-ran to a front-runner within the span of just one season. Following the setback against Arlington, the Wildcats are now 9-1 on the campaign and have already sealed up a postseason berth.

“Losses like this remind us that we are not happy with where we are,” said head coach Kieran Kavanaugh. “We got a little stagnant and a little overconfident with our 9-0 record. This is just a wake up call for us all to realize that we need to work hard, keep getting better and continue to improve.”

Mitch DeAmbrose, Brian Priem and Justin MacKinnon each notched first half goals, but Wilmington trailed 6-3 in the second half. After Arlington made it an 8-3 game, the Wildcats began on the comeback trail.

DeAmbrose added two more goals and MacKinnon fired home his second of the game, but the Spy Ponders added another tally and went on to a victory that improved them to 5-4 on the year.

Despite the loss, Kavanaugh said he isn’t searching for an inspirational bounce back game on Friday. He knows his team will bring the effort that has been consistent throughout the campaign.

“They know what they have to do,” said Kavanaugh. “What they have to do is the same thing we’ve done after our wins. We put it behind us and look forward to another great day of practice.”

Kavanaugh said that in his second year as head coach in Wilmington his players have become more comfortable with him and his system.

But the Wilmington mentor added that it’s the atmosphere among his players that has been critical to turning the program around.

“Everyone coming into the year knew our system and knew what they had to do to get better and continue what we’re trying to learn,” said Kavanaugh. “It’s not just the wins that create this atmosphere. It’s being a close-knit family. We’ve been preaching family the entire time. It doesn’t matter if you’re best friends in school or off the field. On the field, we’re here for each other and have each other’s backs.”