Worcester Boys Reclaim ESIAC Title

BERLIN- Worcester Prep's boys' varsity lacrosse team jumped out to an early lead and cruised to the Eastern Shore Independent Athletic Conference (ESIAC) tournament championship last week, beating visiting Gunston, 15-4, to win the title after taking a one-year hiatus from the conference.

The Mallards jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead in the first quarter before the Herons got in the board with just under six minutes left in the period to cut the lead to 3-1. That was as close as Gunston would get, however, as Worcester steadily pulled away from the Herons. Worcester led 9-1 at the half, but Gunston scored quickly in the third quarter to cut the lead to 9-2. The Mallards then reeled off five straight goals in the third quarter to extend their lead to 14-2 and settle the issue once and for all.

In the end, the Mallards finished off Gunston, 15-4, to reclaim the conference title they had last won in 2007. Worcester did not play in the conference last year, but returned to league play this year, picking up where they left off. Brad Harris and Brad Regan led the Mallards with three goals each, while Justin Butler and Hunter Marshall each scored twice. Worcester's other goals came from Billy Tyler, Ryan McGuire, Stephen Pappas and senior goalie Peter Buas, who got some time on attack late in the game when the outcome had long been decided.