They may only be at the halfway point on their schedule, but Old Colony boys’ lacrosse has to worry not only about making the postseason, but adjusting on the fly with the hopes of making a run.
It seems like the Cougars took a step in the right direction in their most recent 17-1 win over Bristol-Plymouth on Monday. Between the offense and defense, the former had been the team’s weakness so far in the season, though in part because Old Colony’s defense has been that good, too.
“We struggle to score and just need to play better team offense,” said Coach Bill Trimble. “We can just be one guy trying to take it to the goal. We have to try and move the ball a little bit better.”
The issues on offense become slightly less apparent when the defense has three seniors – Jared Gagne, Andy Coxand Dylan Hanson– taking charge and their classmate Ian Vezinaas the anchor in net. But that’s no excuse for less production on offense, which is why the Cougars are making some changes to garner more offense.
“We’re trying to run different offensive sets,” said Trimble. “We started out running a one-four-one. We’re trying to go to a one-three-two to see if we can dodge to create matchup problems and make that first pass to the open guy.
“The one-four-one is a catch-and-shoot offense. You try to get the guy open away from the ball and throw it to him. With the one-three-two, the guy who has the ball tries to draw another defender and pass to the open man. It’s going from where we try to get the guy off-ball open to trying to get the guys attacking to create (an opening).”
To this point, Old Colony has had contributions from Zach Soucyand Connor Halle on offense, as well as others, but it’s been a sophomore leading the charge on offense through the first nine games.
Ethan Harrop, coming off a five-goal, two-assist performance in the win over Bristol-Plymouth, is the Cougars leading scorer with 14 goals on the year. He not only brings consistent offense now, but he could also become an even greater offensive threat for the Cougars in the coming years.
“He has really good stick skills,” Trimble said. “He’s real nifty with the stick. And he has a real sense of how to get into open spaces.”
Old Colony (5-4, 4-3 Mayflower Athletic Conference) is still fighting for a Mayflower title and has another shot at Sacred Heart on Wednesday, followed by a matchup against Blue Hills on Friday.
Old Colony baseball continues to improve its stock, shutting out Dartmouth 8-0 in Monday’s matchup. Sophomore pitcher Nick Hedlundmade his first varsity start for the Cougars, earning the complete game shutout after scattering three hits and four strikeouts.
Matt Bumpus(.340 average, 14 RBI), Brandon Zakrosky(.429, 12 RBI) and Hedlund each went 2-for-4. Hedlund also knocked in a run, while Bumpus brought in two. Paul Ashley(.342, 11 RBI) also went 2-for-3 for the Cougars.
Old Colony (11-2, 6-0 Mayflower Athletic Conference) has a chance to lock up the league with a 6:00 pm matchup against Norfolk Aggie at Pope Park in Acushnet on Wednesday.
Old Rochester
The Bulldogs struck swiftly and efficiently in their 5-0 win over Wareham baseball on Monday. Old Rochester opened the game with a five-run explosion, getting all of their offense out of the way to start the game. Mike Kennefickmade sure that was enough, allowing only one hit and one strikeout in his complete game shutout. Kennefick also struck out nine Vikings. Chris LaBelleknocked in two of Old Rochester’s runs with an RBI double in the first. David Arrudaalso knocked in a pair on a two-run single, finishing 2-for-3 on the day. Adam Breaulthad a clean day at the plate, going 3-for-3 with doubles.
Old Rochester (6-3, 3-4 SCC) is back at home against Apponequet on Wednesday.
Old Rochester girls’ lacrosse refuses to lose a game, now 9-0 (5-0 SCC) after taking down Falmouth Academy, 13-10, in Monday’s matchup.
Madison Conneyscored six goals for the Bulldogs, including what would be the game-winner. Ava Ciffolilloalso surpassed the hat trick mark, scoring four in the win. Old Rochester goalie Gates Tenerowiczwas tested early and often in net, saving 13 shots that came her way.
High School Sports Update
By Nick Friar