May 3, 2023 – Story by Ava DiCecca, photos by Joshua Ross
Harbormen lacrosse beat out Duxbury in a tough match this past Tuesday winning 11-8. The pressure of a long-time rivalry prompted a game with lots of excitement and high expectations but nonetheless, the victory came from the Harbormen’s ability to just play their game. Though the rivalry served as some extra motivation, they never let the fact that it was “the biggest game on the schedule,” as stated by coach Todd, waiver their focus or concentration. They were able to stay grounded and just play some outstanding Harbormen lacrosse. When asked, Coach Todd reiterated that the key to pulling away in the final quarter was “keeping it simple from our perspective and not getting caught up in the rivalry.”
The two teams were neck and neck for most of the game but towards the end of the fourth quarter, the Harbormen stayed composed and came away with some decisive goals that sealed the deal. The team has never been lacking in drive and this game was no exception as many key players stepped up to make those big plays and help lead the team to victory.
The star of the game was freshman Cam McKenna who scored four goals, two of which were in the last six minutes, helping Hingham separate themselves and secure the win. He continues to impress as a young player with his skill, confidence, and how seemingly effortlessly transition to not only keep up, but dominate at this high level of play; “I just found my role on the team. I got a chance to play and I took that opportunity and didn’t take it for granted.”
Senior Charlie Packard was also a dominating force scoring a hat trick and setting the tone for the game kicking it off with a goal in the first two minutes. McKenna and Packard have become quite the duo combining for over half the teams’ points and having great chemistry on the field. Packard commented on McKenna and the effect he had on the game “he was that spark that lit us in the second half so having a young guy like that step up, especially in a game like this is super big for us.”
There is no doubt that the two will continue to do great things and lead the team to even more victories as the season progresses. Other key players included senior Joe Hennessey with two big goals on the game, and sophomore Colin Lasch and senior Henry Woodyatt each with one, helping to propel the team forward and keep the momentum going on their side throughout the game.
The Harbormen have been dominating the league, putting in the work, and making sure to stay focused. Coach Todd is keeping the team on track making sure to go game by game, “we don’t look too far ahead. We have another game coming up so it’s just taking care of one day at a time.” This determination and a clear focus will continue to propel their success throughout the season and wherever it takes them.