L-S looks ready to win again

SUDBURY — If it is any indication of what is to come, Lincoln-Sudbury signaled that things have not changed.

After defending its Division 1 boys lacrosse state title in June, L-S is already a front-runner to head back there again.

The Warriors showcased their returning talent yesterday at the Fedlax Elite High School Tournament by taking down Hingham, 6-5, to claim the title.

“We got a huge team coming back,” said L-S senior Hayden Frey. “A lot of depth, great talent, a lot of great guys who played last year. .. . We don’t expect anything less than a state championship and I think if we work hard enough we’re going to achieve that.”

Despite losing their top three players to graduation in Harlan Smart, Connor McCarthy and Eric Holden — all of whom will play lacrosse in college — the Warriors have a different leading cast to pave the way.

Frey, who figures to be the main offensive weapon next season, got L-S going by deking a defender and firing a shot for a 2-0 lead early in the first half.

Brett Williams added to the advantage by pulling the trigger along the perimeter and Matt Ward — who contributed to the state championship run as a freshman — found the back of the net for a 4-0 halftime lead.

L-S came out strong to start the second half, as Frey lost his defender and made his way to the near post to deposit his second goal of the game.

“As a senior, I take more responsibility, but it’s just part of the ladder,” Frey said. “If everybody just does their role — doesn’t do too much, doesn’t do too little — we’re going to be perfect.”

It was enough behind a stout defensive effort from L-S, which held down a potent Hingham attack.

Senior Dan Ryan was a key figure in slowing down the Harbormen, until Hingham exploded late behind three goals from Jack Hennessey, but its comeback bid fell short.

While the result was the same for L-S, the way of getting there might be a bit different next season, leaning more on its defense and goalie Trevor Van Leer.

“We lost a lot of great players this past year,” Van Leer said, “but it’s nice to see that we can come out and play with the same tempo and play up to the same level we did last year.”