Mariners Eliminate Townies from Boys’ Lacrosse Playoffs

NARRAGANSETT – In a rematch of from two weeks ago, the Mariners had a bit more left in the tank in the fourth quarter and eliminated the East Providence Townies from the Division III boys’ lacrosse playoffs.

The Townies (6-7, 6-6 Division III) led 2-1 after the first quarter, but the Mariners (8-8, 7-5 Division III) pulled ahead with 9:43 remaining in the second and never trailed the rest of the game.

East Providence hovered within one to two goals through the first three quarters. However, in the fourth, the Mariners overwhelmed them a pair of goals, expanding an 8-6 lead to a 10-7 final.

Junior midfielder Zachary Humulock set the tone early for the Mariners. His strong work on face-offs allowed Narragansett to control possession most of the day.

“On the faceoffs, when we won them we got a lot of fastbreaks,” he said. “Once we gained possession, we went around the defense and scored.”

Humulock finished with two goals and two assists, carrying the offensive load along with sophomore attacker Matthew McGreen, who had three goals.

McGreen struggled with his shot in the first half. Attacking from an angle, his shots swung wide of the net or into defenders. However, he said this didn’t dissuade him, and he knew he could work through it.

“I figure you won’t score if you don’t shoot,” he said.

With three officials on the field, additional coaching staff on the East Providence sideline and Narragansett Athletic Director Richard Adham in the stands, on and off-field conduct also wasn’t an issue. While both teams played physically, neither one was especially effected by penalties.

East Providence senior DJ Donahue, playing in control throughout, led the Townies’ offense. He finished with four goals and an assist. However, Narragansett spent much of the game on offense and shadowed Donahue with extra defense throughout.

The Mariners continue in the Division III playoffs against undefeated Smithfield. The Sentinels are 12-0 in division play and received a bye into the semifinals of the playoffs as a result. Narragansett lost 9-5 at Smithfield on May 4 and 4-1 on April 8.

Humulock said Narragansett needed to work on its clearing from the defensive end in order to get more fastbreaks against the Sentinels. McGreen stressed that they needed to continue to stay out of penalty trouble and to practice hard.

“We didn’t have many penalties [today],” he said. “We need to practice hard this upcoming weekend.”

The Mariners travel to Smithfield for the game, which is 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 1. The winner continues on to play in the Division III boys’ lacrosse final at Rhode Island College on June 5.

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