Windham JV boys’ lacrosse defeats Thornton Academy

Windham sophomore George Voinea gets by a
Thornton Academy defender during Windham's
home boys' JV lacrosse game on Friday, May 29.
Voinea had two goals with one in the first half and
one in the second half as the Eagles beat the
Trojans, 8-6. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA  

By Matt Pascarella

Windham hit the field with a lot of intensity and showed Thornton Academy they were ready to play during the second to last home boys’ JV lacrosse game of the season against Thornton Academy on Friday, May 28. The Eagles led most of the game, until the fourth quarter, where Thornton was able to catch up, but Windham remained ahead and won 8-6.

The Eagles scored several goals early on and had a substantial lead. While the Trojans fought back, they were unable to make up much ground against Windham until late in the game.

Windham freshman Landon Buzulchuck got them on the scoreboard early in the game. Windham junior Izack Enman scored next. From there, the boys moved the ball nicely and were aggressive. Windham freshman Jake Lord scored back-to-back goals in the first half. Windham sophomore George Voinea also scored during the half.

The Eagle’s offense and defense were outstanding as they not only kept running the scoreboard up but prevented Thornton Academy from scoring many in the first half of the game. At the half, Windham led 6-2.

“I think we kept the pressure up really well,” said Windham sophomore Owen Gualrapp. “ (Thornton Academy) has been a tough team to beat in the past and we really came together to get the win.”

Windham remained just as aggressive at the start and during the second half as they were in the first half. Enman scored again. Voinea also put the ball in the net again. Windham sophomore Alex Momot put one between the posts.

As the clock wound down in the fourth quarter, Thornton Academy scored several goals to quickly gain ground on the Eagles. There was 31 seconds left and Windham led by two. Thornton Academy did gain possession before the final buzzer, but Windham kept them from putting any more in the net.

“For us, especially in this year, it’s been focusing on all the small things: passing, catching, ground balls,” said Windham JV coach Seth Fournier. “Those fundamental things got us through the end there when (Thornton Academy) started to come back and get some momentum. That was huge; it’s what kept us in the game.”

Fournier added that the team has adapted, are coming on strong and doing well at the end of the season. <