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Raiders clinch first title

LOWELL — After admiring the championship banners of the other sports hanging in the school's gym, now Central Catholic's boys lacrosse team can add its own.

After downing Haverhill yesterday, 12-5, the Raiders clinched the Merrimack Valley Conference's Division 2 championship with a perfect 8-0 record. It is the team's first title in its six-year existence.

"The program's never hung a banner," Central head coach Kevin Lally said. "The kids are pumped."

Playing in Lowell as part of the league's annual Play Day, sturdy first-half goaltending from Sean Kennedy combined with strong defense from Ryan Forgione to shut out the Hillies. With a 10-goal cushion at the break, the Raiders glided to victory.

"Sean has played well all year but really stood out in the first half," Lally explained. "And Ryan grabbed eight ground balls, it was a big game for him."

The big guns backed up the strong defense with scoring as Chris George (4 goals) attacked the Haverhill net well and Andrew Ouellette (5 goals and 2 assists) rang up his usual gaudy offensive numbers.

"We knew we had to win (yesterday) to win the MVC and we're glad we ended this well," Lally said. "We have three non-conference games left and then we'll hopefully make a run in the postseason."

MVC Play Day was a successful benefit for cancer research. Players and coaches wore pink in tribute, and referees working the contests decided to donate their game fees to the cause.