With his boys lacrosse team led by a stingy defense and a solid core of veterans, Memorial coach Joe Bernier said it may finally be time to accumulate some wins.

In fact, the Crusaders notched the first Division I victory in the program’s fouryear history on April 14, a 6-5 triumph over Nashua South – a playoff team last season. Memorial overcame a 4-1 fourth-quarter deficit to win the contest.

“That was a huge step for us because it kind of showed the kids we’re worthy of competing in Division I,” said Bernier. “Before that we always just entered games assuming we were going to get killed, so it was nice to build some confidence.”

Because Memorial has no funding for a junior varsity or freshman team, however, Bernier said it’s tough for his program to be competitive in D-I with the likes of Bishop Guertin, Pinkerton, Hanover and Exeter. All have deep player pools.

The good news this year, said Bernier, is the Crusaders get through most of their tough opponents by midseason, which gives them the opportunity to string some wins together and pick up momentum. Heck, they may even sneak into the playoffs.

“We’re definitely much improved over last year and absolutely the most competitive team Memorial has had yet,” said Bernier. “I’m really excited about this team’s potential this season.”

Senior captains Jack Croasdale, TJ Burkish, Pat Bresnahan and Cody Kelley led the Crusaders.

Croasdale, who won the team’s MVP last season, and Burkish anchor a “tough as nails” defense, while Kelley, a long-stick midfielder, and Bresnahan handle the team’s transition game.

Croasdale plans to play prep school lacrosse next season. Bresnahan, the team leader in goals and assists, has been recruited to play at LaSalle University, said Bernier. Both are likely all-staters, and Kelley may earn the honor as well, he added.

Auburn’s Steve Delahanty, a junior attacker, is one of the hardest workers and most versatile players on the team, said Bernier of the third-year starter.

Attacker Brandon McMaster, who started every game as a freshman, is as good a sophomore as you will find in the state and will likely play college lacrosse, said his coach.

Another sophomore, Dillan Norcross, started all but three games on defense last year and is another player Bernier said he’s excited to watch develop. Senior goalie Richard Kelley provides the team with solid play in net, said Bernier.

Also on this year’s team are seniors Scott Morin, Mike Marshhausen and Adam Pike; juniors Josh Lee, Corey Bartlett, Chris Brunelli, Shawn Mancini, Cody Quinn, Pat McLaughlin and Joey Mason; sophomores Mike Marcotte, Jon-Luc Gagnon, Chris Emery, Pat Lewis and Nick Voight; and freshman Eric O’Connell.