Search results matching tag 'lacrosse'

Young, sub-.500 PHS has an air of success that its coach has already seen

Salem Editor — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:14:00 GMT

BY MATT SCHOOLEY

There aren’t many similarities between lacrosse and soccer, yet Matt Regan is still experiencing an enjoyable case of deja vu.

Regan coached the Pelham High School lacrosse team that was 2-12 in 2008 and a state semifinalist in 2009. He senses a similar turnaround for his soccer squad, one that ended its season with a 6-2 victory against visiting Milford on Friday, Oct. 23.

Following the triumph, the Pythons concluded their 2009 campaign with a 4-12-0 record. The team does not lose a senior off its roster.

“I was able to do it with lacrosse because we had a lot of talented juniors who became seniors and rose to a whole new level,” said Regan. “By doing that, they bring everyone with them.”

Sophomore forward Alec Paradis connected on a feed from junior Ryan White midway through the first half, giving Pelham a 1-0 edge.

White concluded the firsthalf scoring when he found the back of the net five minutes prior to intermission, extending the lead to 2-0.

Evan Skinner, also a sophomore, scored early in the second half to give his team a three-goal lead, and the outcome was not in doubt again.

The Pelham starting lineup against Milford included five juniors, four sophomores and two freshmen, including one who should be central to the PHS attack for years to come.

Rafeal Decampos is a tall and powerful player who possesses tremendous abilities both with the ball and in the air, said Regan, though the mentor understands his young midfielder has work to do.

“When he’s on his game, everyone molds around him,” said Regan. “The games he played good, we won. The games we lost, well, he was a freshman. He’s going to be a spectacular player.” DeCampos and Peter Figurito also scored for Pelham, while Brian Finney made eight saves.

Sophomore Derrick Defranzo has started his first two years at the school and was recently joined up front by Paradis, previously a midfielder.

The Pelham mentor said he’s excited about the duo’s potential thanks to the speed and quickness each possesses. “You can tell they’re sophomores,” said Regan. “They’re still raw. If we can hone those skills, they’re going to be extremely hard to defend in the next couple of years.”

Despite its poor record overall, Pelham has shown glimpses of what could await Class I foes in the near future. On Oct. 13, the Pythons fell to Oyster River by a lone tally in overtime, and on Oct. 20 Pelham led Bedford until late in the contest before falling to the Bulldogs, 2-1. Those two teams have 19 wins between them, and both reached the Class I postseason tournament. PHS also beat playoff-bound Laconia on Sept. 30, 3-1.

As was the case for his lacrosse team, Regan said offseason play is key to ensuring forward momentum continues.

“They had been struggling and had some tough years. They had to get it out of their heads that the teams they were playing were better than they are,” said Regan. “We can play with these teams now.”

Athlete of the month: Bow’s Bucchino a rock in net for state champs

Goffstown Editor — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 20:11:00 GMT

BY MATT SCHOOLEY
Sponsored by Indian Head Athletics

David Bucchino won’t be in net when the next Bow boys lacrosse season starts, but he’ll still have an impact in the crease.

In addition to working closely with his protege during practices, the recently graduated Bucchino steadied the Falcons en route to a second consecutive Division II title, earning him the honor of Indian Head Athletics Athlete of the Month for June.

During Bow’s three postseason contests, Bucchino allowed just under six goals per game, but it wasn’t only his work during games that impressed Falcons mentor Chris Gaudreau.

“He’s just got it. His talent as far as being a leader and getting other kids to follow is even more impressive,” said Gaudreau. “Not only does he have talent, but he carries himself in exactly the way you’d want him to.”

Next year, the Falcons turn to a junior netminder with little varsity experience. John Fanaras was the backup goalie this year, and he was able to soak in a great deal of advice from Bucchino, a fellow left-hander.

“There have been a lot of skills I picked up from him, from hugging the post and keeping the angles,” said Fanaras. “I also got to see the way he handled himself in a lot of big situations. He holds his composure very well, and that’s something that every goalie should take into consideration.”

Both Fanaras and Gaudreau said Bucchino carries the same intensity he has during games while on the practice field.

Bucchino, who plans to play lacrosse at Elmira College next year, said it will be difficult to move on from the Falcons, yet he knows he’s leaving the team in good hands with Fanaras taking his place.

“I told him before I left that he had big shoes to fill, but he’s ready. I have a lot of confidence in him,” said Bucchino. “They gave me a lot of respect. It’ll be really hard for me to leave, but I definitely went out with a big bang.”

During the end-of-year awards ceremony at the high school, Bucchino was given the Male Sportsmanship Award – not just for the spring season, but for the entire year.

Gaudreau will miss Bucchino next season, both on and off the field.

“He’s really a coach’s dream,” said Gaudreau. “He attacks the ball, and he makes saves that you wouldn’t expect him to be able to make. Every game there were four or five goals that he kept off the board. He just saved us.”

(Editor’s note: The Athlete of the Month receives a $50 gift certificate courtesy of Indian Head Athletics.)

Bishop Guertin provides one-stop proof of Bedford’s lacrosse success

Bedford Editor — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 19:06:00 GMT

BY MATT SCHOOLEY

Trust won’t be an issue for next year’s Bishop Guertin boys lacrosse team.

During an end-of-season meeting, Cardinals head coach Chris Cameron named his four captains for the 2010 campaign. All four reside in Bedford.

Matt Bayne, Nick Caluccio and Jack Krzyston each enter their second year as captains, while Adam Hall joins the trio in leading Guertin, which hopes to bounce back and regain the Division I title it recently relinquished.

The four Cardinals have played together in the Bedford youth program, and that experience continues to pay dividends.

“It’s a trust factor,” said Caluccio. “We can rely on our other teammates to make the plays, especially the Bedford players, because we know they are going to be able to get the job done.”

Next year there will likely be double digit Bedford players on the Cardinal roster, and Cameron, the team’s mentor, also resides in the town.

Hall said having known each other on and off the field for so long has led to a chemistry that makes the team a perennial threat to reach the D-I championship contest.

“We know each other’s tendencies, and we know each other personally as well,” said Hall. “Because of that, we know what the other person wants to do when they get the ball.”

The feeder program in Bedford has a proven track record, and has grown to support about 350 athletes per year.

Coaches and players have also credited the youth program with the success of the Bedford High School program in its first varsity season.

“Bedford has always been a hotbed for lacrosse in New Hampshire,” said Bayne. “We’ve produced a lot of guys who have come out of the town and done some really good things.”

Krzyston and Bayne are offensive threats for the Cardinals, while Hall and Caluccio anchor the defense.

Cameron said each of the captains brings different qualities to the team, but one they share is the motivation improve themselves and the team.

When the four seniors graduate in 2010, they will leave a legacy for the younger players on the team.

“All four of us can contribute leadership on and off the field,” said Krzyston. “I think what we do will help the younger players to step up their game when we leave.”

The Bishop Guertin mentor said he has been involved with the Bedford youth programs for about 10 years, and he’s glad several of his players have followed him to the varsity level.

“I think (the Bedford feeder program) is the best in the state by far,” said Cameron. “We’re just doing the right things.”

Bishop Guertin, helped by many Bedford athletes, is state runner-up

Bedford Editor — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 22:25:00 GMT

BY MATT SCHOOLEY

Bishop Guertin now has a Division II plaque. There are a few words the girls lacrosse team’s players and coaches plan to change next year.

After a title-game loss to Bow on June 4, the Cardinals look to leave Southern New Hampshire University with a state championship trophy next season.

Guertin entered the match with the Falcons looking for redemption after a final four exit in last year’s tournament.

The fourth-seeded Cardinals hung close throughout the early going, but what started as a back-and-forth contest ended in a 13-7 loss.

Bedford’s Rosemary Buchanan opened the scoring only 18 seconds in on an assist from Anna Lepore, but Bow struck back with three straight goals to capture a 3-1 advantage with 20:31 remaining in the first half.

Rachel Karaska and Bedford’s Meghan Maguire found the back of the net to tie the game at the midway point of the half, but the seasoned Falcons scored six of the next seven goals to take control of the game and cruise to a fourth state championship since 2002.

Kristianna Purington and Laura Bee, both of Bedford, added goals in the final minutes, but the Cardinals were unable to seriously challenge Bow after intermission.

“We took one step further than last year, so it was a successful year,” said Purington, who returns in 2010 for her fourth and final season. “Next year, we’ll do it.”

Purington, who recently score her 100th career goal, faced a smothering Bow defense all day and managed that late goal and an assist on Maguire’s goal.

Head coach Ron Cote said his team’s focus each year is to continue forward momentum.

“Making it to the final four last year, we knew that the next step was to get here,” said Cote. “Next year we hope to get to the state finals again and finish it.”

Goffstown High School boys battle No. 2 seed before falling, 7-5

Goffstown Editor — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 19:14:00 GMT

BY GREGOR WALZ

It took just three years for the Goffstown boys lacrosse program to secure the program’s first-ever playoff bid, and the Grizzlies showed they weren’t satisfied with merely reaching the postseason.

No. 7 Goffstown recorded three quick goals to open the fourth quarter of its Division II first-round match up with No. 2 St. Thomas Aquinas, but the Grizzlies fell short, 7-5, on June 3.

“We had the ball on their side of the field for most the fourth quarter, and we hit the post a couple of times,” said Goffstown head coach Dave Moloney. “It was a game we could have won – not to take anything away from St. Thomas Aquinas because it was a well-fought game.”

Goffstown trailed at the half, 4-2, and the Saints increased their lead to 7-2 by the end of the third quarter. Still, the Grizzlies showed a determination and resiliency that earned them the program’s first postseason trip.

“I told them to come out and play aggressive,” said Moloney. “Play your game and do what you can do. Don’t worry about the score. Lacrosse is a game of momentum.”

Brendan Shearin’s goal less than five minutes into the fourth quarter began a threeminute span during which Goffstown scored three times.

Chris Ugno followed suit with a pair of goals to account for the final score.

“It’s tough for the seniors. They want to go as far as they can,” said Moloney. “When you lay your heart on the field in the last game, it’s emotional. They knew that they had come very close in that game, and there were a few opportunities that were missed. But they played hard, and they did the best that they could.”

Several members of the Goffstown squad received postseason honors. Shearin and Drew Simoneau were selected first-team all-state.

Bryan Bourque, Connor Nolan and Matt Bartlett were selected to the second team. Moloney expects the Grizzlies to be more prepared next season.

“We need to play more offseason ball, get into camps and things like that,” he said. “Hopefully we can get back into the playoffs, and we’ll see how far we can go. We’re going to try to add to the success we had this year.”

Bow boys take second straight title

Goffstown Editor — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 19:09:00 GMT

BY RYAN O’CONNOR

Chris and Steve Gaudreau keep sharing the wealth.

On Wednesday, June 10, the brothers coached the Bow boys lacrosse team to a 15-8 victory over Dover, clinching their second consecutive Division-II title and third in six years.

Last year, Steve returned after a one-year hiatus, joining Chris and 10 seniors en route to the championship. This year, after taking a heavy hit from graduation, Chris said there were many holes to fill but added the players in the pipeline made the transition nearly seamless.

“For us, it’s like deja vu. It’s almost too good to be true,” said Chris Gaudreau.

“We’ve used the word lucky, but a lot of it is that we’ve been very fortunate to have these great kids that listen, work hard and allow us to coach them. I hope we can continue to be in the mix, but you never know, which is why these last couple years have been so special.”

Though the Falcons continued their dominance after losing double-digit seniors the last two years, Gaudreau said the departure of goalie David Bucchino and attacker Sean Dippold – two of three captains and four recent graduates - may be just as tough to overcome.

“David is a phenomenal player, and with all his (personal) honors, he was a leader in the truest sense of the word,” said Chris Gaudreau. “And Sean, he stepped in his junior and senior years and was just an absolutely tremendous competitor. He led by example by the amazing amount of emotion and intensity he brought. And he took it to even another level in the playoffs this year.”

While Dippold notched three goals to help lead the Falcons past Dover, Bucchino stopped 16 shots to secure the victory.

Junior Alex Davies stole the offensive show with six goals, and classmate Christian Calkins impressed with five assists to complement his three tallies.

“We’re very proud of this team, especially because these kids played their best at the end of the season,” said Chris Gaudreau. “We were simply dominant at times in the playoffs, and more importantly we carried ourselves well. We made mistakes along the way, but we owned those mistakes.”

Along with Davies and Calkins, the Falcons’ third captain, backfielder Griffin Sandler, is expected back, as are midfield standouts Greg Bueddeman and Chris Roberts and sophomore defender Greg Stevens, among a plethora of other talented athletes.

Chris Gaudreau said it’s tough to envision a change in the current co-coaching arrangement.

“We’re both young, and splitting responsibility equally, we’re able to stay sharp and energized,” he said. “Never say never, and things change, but I don’t see either one of us going anywhere anytime soon.”

Bow girls win crown – again

Goffstown Editor — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 19:06:00 GMT

BY MATT SCHOOLEY

They’ve been there. They’ve done that. And they didn’t mind doing it again.

Bow High School’s girls lacrosse team has been to every title game since Division II play began in 2002, and on Thursday, June 11, the Lady Falcons won a fourth state championship with a 13- 7 victory over Bishop Guertin at Southern New Hampshire University.

Alison Meagher and Samantha Gallerani notched four goals and two assists apiece to lead Bow.

Early on it appeared the nearly 500 spectators on hand were in for a see-saw battle; Bow clung to a 3-2 lead after only 4 minutes, 59 seconds of play.

The Cardinals knotted the score at 3-3 with 15:07 remaining in the half, but the Falcons outscored Guertin, 4- 1, in the final 15 minutes of play to take a 7-4 lead into halftime.

The lead expanded to as many as eight, and Bow cruised to the win.

Sophomore Lindsay Bucknam scored twice and assisted on a pair of goals; senior Caitlin Pratt added two goals, and sophomore Rachel Roberts and junior Lauren Wheeler both collected an assist.

“They’re tough every single year,” said Bishop Guertin head coach Ron Cote. “They just know how to win.”

Bow was 12-1 during the regular season to earn the No. 3 seed in the bracket, but none of the teams in the postseason gave the Falcons much of a challenge.

In fact, the six-goal decision over the Cardinals was the closest game Bow played this postseason.

Goaltender Leanna Shea returned from a toe injury only a few weeks ago, bouncing back extremely well in the title tilt to stop 14 shots and earn the win.

Bow’s head coach, Chris Raabe, said returning to the final contest of Division II play is always the preseason goal.

“At some point, the streak will end,” said Raabe. “That’s how we start each year, using that as motivation. They don’t want to be the team who doesn’t make it here. It’s become tradition for us, and having them know that every year makes my job a little easier.”

Athlete of the month: Guertin star inspires teammates to excel as well

Bedford Editor — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 20:44:00 GMT

BY MATT SCHOOLEY
Sponsored by Indian Head Athletics

Kristianna Purington is not only a leader, she’s a leading scorer, too.

The Bishop Guertin junior has used her outgoing personality and offensive prowess to help the girls lacrosse team to an 11-2 record and the No. 4 seed in the Division II postseason.

Oh, by the way, Purington scored the 100th goal of her career on May 13 against ConVal, one of 48 tallies during the 2009 regular season.

Yet the century mark of scores means less to the Bedford resident than the 36 assists she’s collected in 2009.

“When I think I have a good game, it isn’t based on how many goals I score,” said Purington. “Assists get the goals, so it’s just as important for me to get those.”

For her efforts, she has been named the Indian Head Athletics Athlete of the Month for May.

During her freshman year, Purington showed her leadership when she approached the school’s athletics director to inquire about starting a field hockey program.

Tony Johnson told her she was welcome to try.

Several students had done so before, but not one generated enough interest to start a team – not until Purington, that is.

Less than three years later, the program participates with other Class L competitors.

“She was able to incorporate a lot of girls into the athletic program who wouldn’t have played sports otherwise,” said BG’s field hockey head coach, Steve Duprat. “She’s going to be successful at whatever she chooses because she has that drive. A lot of other kids feed off of that and want to be at the same level as her.”

Though Purington has another full season at Guertin, lacrosse coach Ron Cote has already began to prepare for the junior’s departure.

During practice, Cote has Purington work with the younger players, teaching them skills she has already developed.

“Without being a formal captain, she’s one of the leaders of the team,” said Cote. “She has this unique ability to rally the kids around her to be successful in whatever they’re looking to do. Just with her being part of it, she’s a spark that gets things going.”

Cote said Purington isn’t a captain because he almost always gives that title to multiple seniors. Captain or not, Purington said she thrives on gaining the respect of her teammates.

“It’s almost natural to me, being a leader,” said Purington. “I don’t care if I don’t have the role, I still want to be looked at as a leader to my teammates.”

While the athletic Purington was talented upon her arrival as a freshman, Cote said it’s her love of lacrosse and motivation to improve that have helped her stand out in D-II play.

During her freshman year, Purington took over the starting center position, where she is best able to control the draw when her team must gain possession.

Thanks to Purington’s drill work with younger teammates, Cote is likely to see his star player’s style continue for years to come.

“By having her so close with the underclassmen, I can have someone who’s been under her wing a bit,” said Cote. “I want to keep her abilities with this team as long as I can.”

(Editor’s note: The Athlete of the Month receives a $50 gift certificate courtesy of Indian Head Athletics.)

Bedford High School nosed out for playoff spot in late-season contests

Bedford Editor — Wed, 27 May 2009 19:52:00 GMT

BY MATT SCHOOLEY

With two games remaining in the season, the Bedford boys lacrosse team remained in the hunt for a postseason berth. After dropping those contests and ending their inaugural season at 4-9, the firstyear Bulldogs must wait a year to track that playoff prey.

On Friday, May 22, Bedford needed a victory against Oyster River, but lost a 9-8 decision. Then on Tuesday, May 26, BHS dropped the season finale, a 17-5 road loss against Goffstown.

Bedford quickly fell behind, 5-1, in the matchup with Goffstown, but the locals cut the deficit to 5-3 when Trevor Morrissette and Connor Sullivan tallied a minute apart.

The 7-6 Grizzlies were too potent offensively, pulling away in the second frame to build a 10-4 halftime advantage. Oyster River secured the final seed in the Division II tournament. Goffstown earned a spot in the postseason as well.

Bedford’s head coach, Matt Guerard, said his team, after a full year of facing battle-tested D-II foes, is well prepared for next season.

“We took a lot of experience out of this year,” said Guerard. “We came into the season not knowing what to expect, but if we gained anything, it’s big-time varsity experience and what it takes to play at the varsity level.”

Four of Bedford’s losses came by a combined nine goals to Portsmouth, Winnacunnet, Dover and Oyster River – all playoff teams.

Critical to the development of the Bulldogs has been the play of a group of freshmen, including Nate Larrivee, Tyler Wise and Jordan Garron.

Guerard said Larrivee established himself as a main offensive threat, Wise became a key component in winning faceoffs and Garron made important contributions on the defensive end.

And team chemistry, said the Bedford mentor, has changed markedly since the team’s opening game.

“We had a lot of individual guys at the beginning of the year doing a lot of individual things,” said Guerard.

“Towards the end of the year we began to gel, and it started to show by the end of the year.”

GHS beats Brady, improves postseason chances

Goffstown Editor — Wed, 20 May 2009 19:50:00 GMT

BY MATT SCHOOLEY

The Goffstown High School boys lacrosse team isn’t thinking about the moves it will perform at the big dance just yet. It’s looking for an invitation first.

On Tuesday, May 19, the Grizzlies continued their push toward the Division II postseason with a 12-7 win over playoff-hungry Bishop Brady, improving to 6-5 on the year and grabbing – temporarily – the seventh seed.

Christopher Cotugno and Jonathan Domin notched first-half goals as the Grizzlies raced to a 6-1 halftime lead, and Goffstown hung on after Bishop Brady cut the lead to one near the end of the third quarter.

Ahead 7-6 with less than a minute remaining in the third, the Grizzlies appeared to be heading to a nip-and-tuck final quarter. But Goffstown scored twice within 10 seconds to extend the lead. Bryan Bourque found the net with 19 seconds remaining, and Brendon Shearin followed suit with 10 seconds left for a 9-6 edge entering the final quarter.

Head coach Dave Moloney was glad to come out with an important victory but frustrated by his team’s uneven second-half effort.

“We stopped playing,” said Moloney. “We called a timeout and tried to get settled down. We went through a little lull where we weren’t being physical, and we had a lot of guys who were trying to do it all on their own.”

Goffstown is in good position to grab one of eight playoff spots, especially considering Bishop Brady is the team behind the Grizzlies as the eighth seed.

The Grizzlies have two games remaining against Division II opponents, one with 8-3 Timberlane and the other against 3-6 Bedford, as well as an out-of-division match with Memorial.

“We want to win both of those division games. That’s what we’re focusing on now,” said Moloney. “We’re not thinking about the playoffs quite yet. We want to make sure we can get there first.”