Massachusetts Talent Propels Merrimack to NCAA D2 Lax Title Game

After a decorated career at Longmeadow, which included an undefeated D2 state championship run, long pole Dan Cotnoir hopes to bring an NCAA D2 national championship to Merrimack. But the former Lancer is just one of many Massachusetts products hoping to lead the Warriors to victory in their home state.  Photo courtesy of Merrimack Athletics.

By Michael Abelson (@ABELS0N)

Foxborough, Mass. - Sports are cruel.

Last year, the Merrimack men’s lacrosse team advanced to its first NCAA Division II title game, and had the lucky draw of playing in the Commonwealth at Gillette Stadium.

The Warriors let a lead slip away late and lost to Limestone.

This year, though, the Warriors are back in the title game, and return to Foxboro better than ever with a team getting contributions up and down the lineup from Bay State natives. Merrimack's second consecutive title game in Massachusetts will take place Sunday at 4 pm against No. 6 St. Leo.

Thanks to the wealth of local talent, coach Mike Morgan believes his group is capable of leaving Gillette Stadium victorious this season.

Hanover Surges Past Cohasset in D3 South Final

By Tom Joyce (@TomJoyceSports)

MARSHFIELD, Mass. -- When a team controls play from the faceoff circle, it will likely be reflected in the final outcome. It certainly was for the Hanover High boys’ lacrosse team in the Division 3 South final at Marshfield High on Friday evening.

Indians (16-4) freshman midfielder Caleb Hammett, who is verbally committed to the United States Military Academy (better known as Army) won 17 of the 23 faceoffs he took which helped propel his team to an 11-9 win over the Cohasset Skippers.

Hanover's Patrick Hannigan Leads RIT Lacrosse on Final Four Run

Hanover native Patrick Hannigan (30) led RIT to the brink of a national championship at Gillette Stadium. While things didn't end the way he had hoped, the former Indian star reflected fondly on his career in Rochester.

By Michael Abelson (@ABELS0N)

Sports are hard. Being a captain is harder.

Being a captain of an elite team takes a special type of player. Not only are you expected to play at a high level, but you must lead your team on and off the field. Part player, part coach, being a team captain is not for the faint of heart.

Patrick Hannigan is captain material.

The Hanover native captained the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) men’s lacrosse team this season, and led it all the way to Sunday’s national title game at Gillette Stadium. The Tigers lost 15-7 to Salisbury, but the game had an added meaning for Hannigan, who finished his college career 45 minutes from his hometown.