By Avonlea Cummings
Hometown Weekly Sports Reporter
In Medfield's season-opening victory against the Ashland Clockers, Tim Collins played a pivotal role in guiding the boys' lacrosse team to success. Collins demonstrated his prowess on the field, tallying five goals and providing two assists in the decisive 13-1 triumph secured by Medfield. Braedon Sutton also made notable contributions, contributing three goals and an assist for the Warriors. Additionally, Gavin Marmai, Matt George, Nick Halesworth, Charlie Frey, and Jackson Dodge each notched a goal, ensuring a strong start to the season.
Despite entering the game with several injuries on their roster, the Medfield boys showcased their bench depth in the opening quarter, executing their offensive strategies effectively. The Warriors limited Ashland's advances across the fifty-yard line, with their defense swiftly intercepting any attempts.
However, the second quarter saw a shift in momentum for Medfield as they appeared to struggle. Ashland enjoyed increased time on the offensive, managing to score their lone goal of the evening at 5:18. Despite this lapse, Medfield concluded the half with 24 shots on Ashland's net, with Tim Collins securing three of his five goals in the first half, enabling Medfield to lead 6-1 at halftime.
“He was our leading scorer last year with 83 points, we expected him to bring that leadership and that experience, and produce for us. He got us going a little bit, we are going to lean on him, and he produced the way we needed,” said Head Coach John Isaf on Tim Collins’ performance.
Medfield stepped back onto the field after halftime looking vastly different compared to the second quarter. Applying more pressure on the field, and connecting quick passes, the boys continued to work on their shots, and netted seven more goals. The Warriors silenced the Clockers’ for the entire half, and polished off the evening 13-1.
Head coach John Isaf reflected on the boys’ first game of the season, and shared some aspects of the game the Warriors did well, but there is work to be done, and he holds high standards for the team in the games ahead: “Defense played really well, John Olenik did a great job on the faceoff, we rode very well, the attack and middies did a good job preventing clearing the ball,” said Isaf.
Medfield will travel to Westwood High Thursday, April 4, face-off is set for 6:30 PM.
