Girls’ lax season ends in 2nd round

The Bulldogs huddle before their game against Hopkinton. (Courtesy of Kate Merrigan)

After knocking off Archbishop Williams in the opening round of the south sectional tournament, the Canton High girls’ lacrosse team traveled to No. 1 Hopkinton last Tuesday in hopes of pulling off an upset.

But a victory was just not in the cards as the Bulldogs were eliminated from postseason contention by a final score of 16-8.

“They were a very strong team; they were fantastic actually,” said head coach Chris Murtagh of the 13-4-1 Hillers. “They had a girl that won just about every draw. We just couldn’t beat her.”

Hopkinton appeared to put away the game in the first half after jumping out to a commanding 12-0 lead; however, Canton was able to make it interesting with a four-goal outburst over the final seven minutes of the half, followed by a fifth goal immediately after halftime.

The second half proved to be much more competitive as the Bulldogs added three more goals while limiting Hopkinton’s chances. They even managed to hold the Hillers scoreless during a three-minute stretch in which they played five on seven and another two minutes where they were down one player.

Senior captain Meghan Lennon, who had an outstanding season and recently broke the 200-goal barrier for her career, had a big second half and finished with three goals. Jackie Merrigan also had three goals in the loss, while senior captain Jen Martin and senior Meaghan McKenna added one goal apiece.

Overall, Murtagh said he was pleased with the girls’ performance but disappointed that the season had to be over.

“It was a respectable game for us,” he said. “We made sure they knew we were there and that we had come to compete.”

The Bulldogs finish the season with a record of 10-8-2, and despite losing several key seniors, they are expected to be right back in the mix next season with a talented group of underclassmen.

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