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By Michael Flanagan
Hometown Weekly Sports Editor
The Division III Central/East Sectional in boys lacrosse has simply belonged to DS in recent years. The 2018 Dover-Sherborn senior class knows nothing but winning the sectional title after reigning as champions each of the last four years.
This season, DS enters as the No. 2 seed in Central/East and will look to make another long tournament run - and, hopefully, get to the state championship game at BU.
“Our goal every year is to compete in the state championship game,” said DS senior captain Michael Mastrobuono. “But, we all know we can’t overlook the games before that. In the past, we have been successful in the Central/East, but we are a much younger team this year and know we can’t take any team for granted. We are definitely confident going into the playoffs, but at the same time, we know we need to show up and play well as a team in every game ahead in order to get it done.”
In terms of some keys that will lead to a long tournament run, Mastrobuono says that coming together as a group, putting in a complete performance each night, and showing positive energy at all times will be essential to the Raiders potential success this June.
“It’s all about putting together a complete game,” said Mastrobuono. “Our offense, defense, and faceoff teams have shown at various times that they can perform well, but we all need to be at our best every game in order to make a deep run. Energy is also an important part of making a deep run. After a long season, playoffs can wear the guys down a little bit, so we have to really work as a team to keep the energy up and see some of that urgency translate onto the field.”
As for some key players to watch out for in this tournament, Mastrobuono says that he and his teammates have rallied behind freshman goaltender Standish Carothers, who has taken the TVL by storm with some incredible performances throughout the season.
All of this despite Carothers having never played goaltender before this season.
“Standish has been great in net for us this year,” said Mastrobuono. “It’s hard to believe this is his first year, ever, playing goalie. When the defense knows forcing tough shots will be rewarded with a save, it definitely gives them some energy and motivation to keep at it. In our last of the season, Standish had back-to-back saves, which gave Erik Niit the fast break to win it, so we are definitely going into the playoffs confident with his play.
At the time of print, DS will host Weston on June 6 at 4 p.m. in the sectional quarterfinals. If victorious, the Raiders will host the winner of Holliston and Hopedale in the semifinals later this week.
For funny and incisive sports analysis, follow Mike Flanagan on his personal Twitter at @fLAno0, or read his blog at www.flannylive.wordpress.com.
