Grinnell gets 300th point in Wilmington rout, Warriors edged by Winchester
BRANDON GRINNELL, a senior attackman, earned his 300th career point in Wakefield’s victory against Wilmington and joins an elite group of lacrosse players in the state to reach that plateau. (Donna Larsson File Photo)
Published in the May 5, 2016 edition.
WINCHESTER — The past two games were quite a contrast for the Warrior boys’ lacrosse team.
After playing well in every aspect against Wilmington last Friday, Wakefield was unable to put together a full effort in all phases for all four quarters against Winchester on Tuesday afternoon.
As a result, the Warriors split the two games as they annihilated Wilmington by a 19-0 score at the Woburn Street School Field and dropped a 10-8 decision to Winchester at Knowlton Stadium.
Wakefield is now 8-2 overall on the season and 3-2 in the Middlesex League Freedom division.
Wilmington Game
The Warriors’ contest against the Wildcats was highlighted by senior attackman Brandon Grinnell, who is bound for Manhattan College in the fall, as he netted his 300th career point. Grinnell scored a goal and had seven assists.
“We call him Mr. 300. He had seven assists, he makes us go,” said Coach Andrew Lavalle. “There are 100 kids (in the state) if that who have 300 points. There aren’t many.”
Pat Leary and Austin Collard, two juniors, also had solid offensive games as both netted six goals.
“We matched up well with Wilmington and we were excited because that was the first game we played on grass this year,” said Lavalle.
Defensively, Wakefield was led by senior Steve Marino and defenders Ty Collins and Ryan Fitzpatrick, a junior and a sophomore.
Ryan Chambers, a sophomore goalie, played in net and earned the shutout. Chambers didn’t face many shots since the defense in front of him was so strong.
“Chambers got the shutout, but the defense was the name of the game,” said Lavalle. “(Assistant) Coach (Doug) Gallant has done a great job with them.”
Winchester Game
The Warriors squared off against Winchester on Tuesday and came up on the short end of a 10-8 game for only their second loss of the year.
“We came out a little flat,” said Lavalle. “We had only eight points and you can’t win in lacrosse with only eight points. We played a little and frankly Winchester outplayed us.”
Lavalle cited the all-around play of Marino which is a big reason why Wakefield stayed in the game. Marino played well defensively, won several key face-offs and scored a goal on offense.
Defensively, Collins, Fitzpatrick and senior Ned Buckley played solid in front of Chambers.
“Ryan Chambers made some point blank saves and kept the score from being 20-8,” said Lavalle. “Lacrosse is a game of runs and we went on several runs after big saves by him.
Grinnell had two goals and three assists, while senior attackman Ben Yandell had three goals and Leary had two scores.
“Offensively we were a little lackadaisical,” said Lavalle. “We missed on passes, had a poor shot selection and took some poor shots.”
Wakefield will work to be better as it has several tough games coming up. First up is Belmont on Friday afternoon.
“We came a little slow. To beat a great team, you have to be great all four quarters. We were good for one and great for three. We need to play four great quarters,” said Lavalle.
The Warriors take on the Marauders tomorrow afternoon at 4 p.m. at Landrigan Field.
