Set to host Ashland for first round game on Monday
WAKEFIELD — The Wakefield High boys’ lacrosse team finished their regular season on a three-game winning streak, taking a 14-3 record into the Div. 3 state tournament.
The Warriors followed up a 22-2 win over Watertown on May 19 with a 21-7 victory over Wilmington on Senior Night, May 21. They topped Manchester-Essex 13-4 in the finale on Friday.
Wakefield earned the No. 8 seed in the Div. 3 state tournament, a key number as the top eight teams can play two home games should they advance past round one. The Warriors will host No. 25 Ashland (9-9) for a first round matchup on Monday, 6 p.m. at Landrigan Field. The winner will meet the winner of No. 9 East Longmeadow (13-3) vs. No. 24 Northampton (16-2) in the Round of 16.
Wakefield’s successful Senior Night started with a ceremony to celebrate their four seniors: Kyle Clair, Zach Courtright, Dan McHugh and Ryan Metsis.
“It’s always nice to get a win and especially on senior night,” said head coach Andy Wells. “It was a good win for us since it was a team that we lost to last season so for that to come on senior night was great. This group of seniors is one we’ll definitely miss; they help set the tone for us not only every game but every practice.”
The Wildcats beat the Warriors 12-5 late in the season last year. This year, would be different as Wakefield took control early, in all facets of the game, running out to a 5-0 lead in the first quarter and never looking back as they cruised to their fourth win in their last five games.
Juniors Brady Walsh (5 goals, 4 assists) and Seamus Cable (6 goals, 1 assist) led the attack once again in this one. Sophomore John Scarpello added 3 goals, Clair and sophomore Nick Metsis each had 2 goals and an assist, sophomore John Taylor and junior Brady Zdanowicz each had a goal and an assist.
Zdanowicz led the way in the face-off X where the Warriors went 15-3 on face-offs to help control the game.
Courtright was only required to make 3 saves and the defense, led by juniors JP Casey and Tommy DeFeo and sophomore Josh Whitman, did all they needed to for the win.
Walsh got the scoring started with a dodge from behind the cage and a finish in front of the crease. Zdanowicz won the ensuing face-off and unselfishly gave it up to Gabe Guida on the run. He picked out Walsh next to the goal, a pass and quick shot from Walsh resulting in a 2-0 lead.
Cable scored the third on a trademarked lefty laser from up top following good ball movement and an assist to Nick Metsis.
Scarpello made it 4-0 after escaping pressure with a fake spin move and creating space for an easy finish in front and Zdanowicz pushed the lead to five after a cut and in-time feed from Nick Metsis again.
One of the top highlights in this one came when Ryan Metsis dodged two defenders, ran another over and found Cable who promptly whistled home another. Wakefield’s attack continued to put on a show throughout the game, including Clair’s second on a well-executed dodge and finish, which was only fitting as the night certainly belonged to Metsis, Clair, Courtright and McHugh.
“This is a group that really embodies what we’re trying to build, they’re all about the team and they’re willing to do whatever is asked of them,” said Wells. “Zach Courtright and Ryan Metsis both changed positions for us and have performed incredibly well in their new roles. Danny McHugh came back into the program this year and has taken just about every tough midfield matchup we’ve seen, in addition to being a spark for us on the clear each game and Kyle Clair has played in any role we’ve needed throughout his time here — he’s been at attack, middie, plays man up and we’ve even used him at defensive midfield when we’ve needed him to.
“The thing we’re most proud of with this group is that they’re willing to help bring along the younger guys. There’s nothing better than seeing seniors take time during practice or games to walk through a situation with the younger guys to try and help them out, pick their head up when they need it and to celebrate them when they make a great play.
“They will definitely leave an impact on the program for a long time and we’re looking forward to seeing the great things they’ll all do in the future.”