Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Mahoney Leads Dover-Sherborn Past Wellesley in Coaches Challenge Cup



By Nate Weitzer (@nweitzer7)

WINCHESTER – Jack Mahoney returned at the perfect time for Dover-Sherborn.

With All-America attack Bailey Laidman recovering from a concussion, Mahoney stepped up in a big way, scoring goals five goals with two assists to carry Dover-Sherborn (6-1) in a 10-4 victory over Wellesley in the first round of the eighth annual Coaches Challenge Cup at Knowltown Stadium.

The Bowdoin College commit was unable to practice, take contact or participate in games over the last three months due to blood clots in his leg, but Mahoney stayed mentally prepared as best as he could.

When the senior attack got back onto the field, he didn’t miss a beat, as he produced a hat trick over the first 18 minutes of this contest to spot D-S a 4-2 lead. Mahoney would add two goals and two assists during the remainder of the game, serving as the main offensive threat with the UNC-bound Laidman out.

“When you have one of the best players in the state out, someone obviously has to step up in his place,” said Mahoney. “I was able to do that a few times last year and this year I think I’m ready to take on a bigger role with the team.”

“I was super excited to be back on the field with my teammates and we got a huge win. We’re ready to take this Cup.”

Wellesley (3-2) captains Michael Bomes and Grant Chryssicas scored two goals apiece, but Dover-Sherborn’s defense was dominant throughout while goalie Ross Barnard (7 saves) covered any mistakes.

Jack Dillon and Matt Paolatto also scored two goals for D-S while Matt Mastrobuono added a goal and an assist.

“The defense was excellent today and Ross was fantastic in the net. We did a great job of sliding and covering the backside to stop that extra pass,” said Dover-Sherborne head coach Brian McLaughlin.

Of course, Mahoney’s presence in the attacking zone proved to be the most important factor and one that was missing for a dynastic Raiders team that nearly dropped a 12-11 decision to Holliston last week. 

“It’s nice to have Jack back and he adds a level of intensity that the team desperately needed,” said McLaughlin. “We got some wins last week, but I thought we could’ve played a lot better and Jack helps pick that up for us.”

The Raiders will needed that intensity as they prepare to face top-ranked Lincoln-Sudbury in a semifinals matchup at North Andover High this Thursday, and for McLaughlin, it’s important to use this nonleague tournament as a way to simulate postseason action. 

“It’s the best thing to get you ready for playoff lacrosse,” McLaughlin said about the CCC. “All these teams are well coached and talented, which makes every game like a playoff game and only helps you get better down the road.”

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