WATERBORO — The defending Class A girls lacrosse state champion Massabesic Mustangs have become one of the top clubs in the state over the past five years.
Although the Mustangs once again have a large senior group, and possibly the same overall talent as last year’s powerhouse squad, they are staying focused and simply looking to improve each day as the season approaches.
“We are just trying to stay positive and start fresh. We’re not really going into it thinking that we’re going to do what we did last year,” said senior captain Morgan Pike. “We’re going into it not expecting anything new. We have to put in so much work every season and prepare just as much as everyone else does.”
Should the Mustangs win it all in 2018, it would be the first back-to-back Class A state champion since Scarborough won three from 2010-2012. Massabesic coach Brooks Bowen admitted that the thought of repeating is on the Mustangs’ minds, but also emphasized the importance of taking it one step at a time.
“Throughout the offseason, in the weight room, through all the chatter this week, no one has talked about last year. We try to stress that every year is a different journey and we’re going to feel our way through this one and try to make it the best season we’ve ever had,” said Bowen. “We’re not talking about it, but I think in the back of everybody’s mind we would like to double up on it. Not just to double it but because we want the finest we can do every year.”
Bowen has been pleased with what he has seen in the early going, especially the leadership that the seniors have shown in incorporating the newcomers into the system.
“We’ve got a big senior class — it’s not only big but it’s pretty talented. It’s been a big class all the way through so I’m not surprised that they showed up. The one thing that you’re always curious about as a coach is how they’re all going to work together but that concern went out on the first day. The key to any season is chemistry so I’m very optimistic,” said Bowen.
A new twist for the Mustangs this season will be three new opponents, including 2017 Class B champ Kennebunk who made the jump up to Class A. The Mustangs are looking forward to being tested this season.
“We’re excited for the new opponent, we’re excited for the challenge. We’ve been working really hard so I think we’ll be ready when the time comes,” said senior captain Kaylee St. Laurent.
“(The schedule) has been built up a little bit but we like that. We want to go out and know that we’re going to get everybody’s best,” added Bowen. “The quality of southern Maine lacrosse has improved over the last 15 years so we’re just happy to be a part of that league right now. It’s going to be a battle and we all know it.”
For Pike and St. Laurent, they hope to add one more plaque to the case before they graduate.
“I’m really sad about (leaving). It’s my favorite thing, I love coming here every day and it’s something I Iook forward to every single year. Knowing that it is coming to an end really stinks, but I think we’re going to make the most of our last season and hopefully end it on a good note,” said Pike.
“It’s like nothing I’ve ever been a part of before. I love coming to practice every single day, we all really enjoy being together and being here,” added St. Laurent. “We need to work just as hard as we did last season if not harder. We know what it’s like to get there and we really want to get back.”
— Associate Sports Editor Alex Sponseller can be reached at asponseller@journaltribune.com or at 282-1535 ext. 323. Follow the Journal Tribune Sports Department on Twitter @JournalTsports.
Comments are not available on this story.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
