By Mike Kelly.
Haddam-Killingworth High School Boys Varsity Lacrosse scored a significant win Tuesday evening, May 4, 2021 against Shoreline Conference rival Old Lyme, winning 12 to 5. With the win the Cougars moved to 5-0 and remain undefeated on the season.
Strong defense, efficient scoring and hustle plays on both sides of the ball defined the victory for HK, reflecting a true team effort. The Cougars also dominated at the faceoff X, winning 70% of its draws. Goalie Ethan Wright had three saves.
The Cougars took the lead early with three unanswered goals, two by Junior Attack Corey Phipps, and one by Senior Attack Ryder Wink with an assist from Senior Midfield Cal Braren.
Old Lyme was able to slow the Cougar charge somewhat early in the second quarter, scoring two unanswered goals to close the gap to one goal. HK quickly responded, however, gaining control of the match with three consecutive scores to push the lead to 6-2. C. Braren struck once, Senior Midfield Aidan Coleman scored with a nifty move out front, and Freshman Midfield Cooper Savoy also scored. From that point forward the Cougars were never really challenged.
HK’s Phipps found the back of the net again to start the third quarter, this time with an assist from Wink. Phipps scored an impressive five goals of the night. Later in the period a deflected shot from Sophomore Attack Nolan Braren rolled in, pushing the score to 9-3. After penalties, the Cougars found themselves precariously down two-men midway through the third, but relentless defense from Junior D-pole Matteo Piacenti, Sophomore D-pole Aiden Griswold, and Junior D-pole Sam Young forced a loose ball which was quickly scooped by Sophomore LSM Jack Insalaco. The HK coaching staff then smartly called a time out to save the possession.
Near the end of the third period HK capitalized on a man-up possession of its own, with C.
Braren burning the nets with a wicked overhead step-down hammer from the right side, giving the visitors a 10-4 lead. HK won another face off and Wink quickly scored again, making it 11-4. From there the Cougars never looked back.
Photos by Liz Griswold.
