[ccfic caption-text format="plaintext"]
By Michael Flanagan
Hometown Weekly Sports Editor
Coming off of an ISL title in 2017, expectations were high for the St. Sebastian’s varsity lacrosse team heading into this season.
The expectations for Seb’s lax in 2018 rose considerably with the Arrows returning future high-level Division I collegiate talent such as John Piatelli (Cornell commit), Will Plansky (Maryland commit), and Michael Swirbalus (Duke commit).
So far, St. Sebastian’s lacrosse has lived up to the expectations that many had for them entering this season, and they may even be better than previously advertised. Nine games into the 2018 campaign (seven that count towards ISL/National Tournament selection), the Arrows remain undefeated, highlighted by wins over then-No. 19 IMG Academy (9-8, OT), BC High (7-1), Phillips Exeter (8-6), and Nobles (10-8).
The Arrows’ most recent victory came over The Groton School (12-9) on Friday, following an 11-7 victory over Lawrence Academy on April 11.
Against Lawrence Academy, Seb’s jumped out to a quick 4-0 lead thanks to goals by Peter Pickard (2), Jack Cusack, and freshman Fitz Frechette, and the Arrows took a four-goal lead into the second quarter.
Lawrence Academy cut the deficit to 4-1 midway through the second quarter before Declan Maguire buried a crank on a fast-break to push the lead back to four goals at 5-1. Less than a minute later, Maguire buried his second of the game again off of transition to make it 6-1 in favor of the Arrows at the half.
The Spartan cut the deficit to 6-3 with a pair of goals to begin the third quarter. Will Plansky responded for Seb’s with a goal on the man-up to make it a 7-3 game. With 2:06 remaining in the third quarter, Swirbalus found a streaking Matt DeSisto and the future Holy Cross Crusader buried a shot low to push the lead to 8-3. Sophomore Sam Frisoli shot home a bouncer with 47 seconds to play to make it a 9-3 game before Pickard completed the hat trick with 18 seconds to play in the quarter to make it 10-3 at the end of three.
Lawrence Academy made it 10-4 with a goal with 10:32 to play, but Plansky launched home his fourth of the day on a great feed by Piatelli to make it a seven-goal game with 9:47 to play. From there, the Arrows were able to chew some clock, and emerged with the 11-7 victory.
For funny and incisive sports analysis, follow Mike Flanagan on his personal Twitter at @fLAno0, or read his blog at www.flannylive.wordpress.com.
