Windham’s defense shines in boy’s lacrosse regional final

Windham High junior Alex Yeaton moves by a Falmouth
opponent and heads to the goal during the Class A North
boys' lacrosse regional final on June 15 at Falmouth
High School. Falmouth won, 2-0.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

By Matt Pascarella

For the second year in a row, the Windham boys’ lacrosse team made it to the Class A North regional final on Wednesday, June 15 at Falmouth and for the second year in a row the opponent has been No. 1 Falmouth. Windham offense put in a strong effort and kept its shots at goal coming but did not get by Falmouth’s goalie. The Navigators won 2-0.

Windham defense was very intense; Windham goalie junior Phillip (Reed) Wescott blocked many shots to keep Falmouth to a low score.

Wescott said the first time they saw them in the season it was a close game. He said going into this game he thought they had a good chance, but said Windham maybe rushed the ball too much, getting it to offense. Overall, he thought Windham played a very good game.

According to Wescott, Windham’s defense was a positive; their rides and their clears were really good.

In the first quarter, Windham moved the ball well and had several shots at goal. Their defense was strong and both teams were scoreless after the first 12 minutes.

Wescott had block after block in the second quarter, consistently shutting down Falmouth’s offense.

With seconds remaining in the first half, the Navigators scored and led 1-0.

“We were ready for them in all aspects of the game,” said Windham junior Alex Yeaton. “We knew we had to tighten down on their outside shots which we did this game. I think, offensively, we came out shooting we just got unlucky in that their goalie made some great saves and we’ve got to put up better shots. It was a great season.”

The Eagles kept defense strong in the second half. Windham had many shots at goal, but none found the back of the net. Falmouth scored again in the third quarter.

Windham senior Will Woolston said he thought they did play hard, but the execution wasn’t there. They had great effort and moved the ball well on offense.

In the fourth quarter, Windham kept at it and did not get down on themselves. They fought until the final buzzer.

“We tried to create the best matchups that we could offensively, defensively, midfield” said Windham varsity boys’ lacrosse coach Peter Small. “I think our defense played out of their minds. I don’t think there’s anybody that thought after this game there’d be two goals total.”

Small said that this team is gritty, and they are a hardworking, get-after-it type of team. He said he loves working with guys like that who are just going to grind.

They got to this point by playing this way all year. It’s awesome to see them dig deep and hold tough, he said. <