Visiting Hopkinton High School jumped out early on host John Stark and minimized a second-half charge, continuing its recent dominance of the Generals with a 7-2 victory in Division-III boys lacrosse on Friday, April 18.

Hopkinton’s David Wood opened the scoring roughly three minutes into the first quarter of the contest, firing a deep shot that found the back of the net.

Less than a minute later, Doug Meyer gave the Hawks a two-goal lead, weaving through the General defense and scoring past John Stark goalie Andrew Seccareccio. It was the first of Meyer’s three goals during the game.

Joe Dammann then added two goals within a minute of each other, and the Hawks, behind goalie Bryan Libby, who turned several difficult shots away, held on for the win. “We got a normal game out of (Libby), with normal meaning outstanding,” said Hopkinton’s head coach, Doug Maynard.

“He’s doing a great job in net. He can play outside the crease and make outlet passes. He’s been the total package.”

Early in the second half, John Stark scored when Nathan Goldsberry fired from close range after receiving a pass from Parker Gage. That cut the lead to 4-1.

Following Meyer’s second goal late in the third quarter, John Stark answered when Goldsberry notched his second goal of the game to make it 5-2.

Hopkinton iced the contest with two fourth-quarter goals.

Generals head coach Mark Schaub said his team has had lopsided contests with Hopkinton in recent match-ups, and he was happy his team was able to keep the score closer this time.

“In the past it would have been hard for us (falling behind early), but this team has a good mindset,” said Schaub. “We didn’t think we were out of it. I was proud they could focus on what they knew they could do.”

Maynard said the key to the victory was his group’s determined effort to control play.

“I love seeing more men getting on the ground balls,” said the coach, whose team improved to 2-1. “We had great hustle, and we worked very hard.”

Schaub said John Stark, now 1-3, had a difficult time controlling the speed of Hopkinton. “They’re a fast team, and they really kept us running. That was impressive,” he said. “They moved the ball well, and when our defense got out of position, they found the hole.”