FINN RODGER scored 3 goals in NR’s first round State Tournament game against Pentucket on Friday. (Eric Evans File Photo)
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
WEST NEWBURY — The season came to an end for the North Reading High boys’ lacrosse team on May 31 as they lost at Pentucket, 15-8, in the first round of the MIAA Division 4 state tournament on a warm, sunny day up in West Newbury.
This is the third time the Panthers have defeated the Hornets this spring as they won the first two meetings, 13-5, on April 23 and 15-2 on May 18.
With that defeat, the 27th-seeded Hornets ended the year at 7-12. Sixth-seeded Pentucket, meanwhile, ended up beating Abington, 14-6, in the Round of 16 on Tuesday to improve to 14-6 as they advanced to the quarterfinals.
Pentucket led this game 5-2 after the opening quarter and 7-4 at the half. The hosts then took command in the third quarter outscoring the Hornets, 6-2, to increase their lead to seven.
Ben Turpin led the way for the Panthers with seven goals and one assist while Nate Stys had two goals and two assists. Mike Torrisi also scored twice.
“I am happy that Turpin is graduating,” joked Hornets head coach Chuck Campobasso, as Turpin will be playing at St. Anslem next year. “He was the difference.”
Pentucket goalie, Matt Wrwicz, made 10 saves.
For the Hornets, they were led in scoring by Finn Rodger who scored three goals. Logan Lamont and Nick Arcari both scored twice while Tanner DuPriest had the other tally.
Hornet goalie, David Tran, made 17 saves as the Panthers dominated the territorial play.
“They dominated us in the face-offs and got to more loose balls,” said Campobasso. “They have a really good team.”
