Junior UMass committed face-off man TJ Casey (28) fights through a stick check and moves the ball up the field. Photos by Mike Flanagan.
By Mike Flanagan
Hometown Weekly Sports Editor
Division II powerhouse Medfield traveled to face rival Hopkinton on Wednesday evening looking to remain unbeaten on the young season.
From start to finish, head coach John Isaf’s boys were dominant. The Warriors (4-0, 4-0) their way to an 18-5 victory behind a trio of hat tricks by junior attack-men Luke Murphy (Loyola), Connor Nee and junior midfielder Sam Hedges, along with a dominant 13-of-15 night at the face-off X by UMass-committed face-off man TJ Casey.
Medfield began the game on a 7-1 run behind goals from Cole Cloney (one goal, one assist), Murphy, two from Jack Sullivan and two from senior captain Robert Spaeth (two goals, one assist). Medfield’s lead grew to 12-1 at halftime, thanks to a 5-0 run in the second quarter, with two goals coming from Murphy, one from Hedges on the man-up, Chris Bethoney and Caleb Lawson (one goal, two assists).
“Always good to get a win over a TVL rival like Hopkinton,” said Isaf following the victory. “It’s been a good start for our boys. We’re shaking off rust just like everyone else. I’m pretty happy with it, but we still need to clean some things up.”
The Warriors kept their foot on the gas to open the second half as a hat trick by Connor Nee, mixed around goals from Hedges and Drew Stanton, allowed Medfield to extend its lead to 15 at the end of three quarters at 17-2. Hopkinton got to within 17-5 early in the fourth quarter following a 3-0 run, but a response goal by Joe Bartolotta pushed the lead back to 13. Medfield chewed up the remainder of the clock and came away with the 18-5 victory.
Medfield will look to continue their unbeaten ways this week with two big games on tap: a road date at arch rival Dover-Sherborn on May 20 followed by hosting Division I power Duxbury on May 22.
For funny and incisive sports analysis as well as video highlights of games, follow Mike Flanagan on his personal Twitter and Instagram handles @flano0.
