The Milford boys lacrosse team did not get off to the fastest of starts this season. In the first game of the season, Milford fell to perennial power Cape Henlopen 15-4. Following that came a series of three losses with one of the losses coming by a goal and another by two. At the end of the four-game winless streak, Milford looked as if they might be in for a long season.
“The schedule wasn’t too kind to us to start the season, but we didn’t do a whole lot to help ourselves.” Coach Blake Faulkner said.
Following spring break however, Milford has steadily turned it around. On Monday, the Buccaneers took on Sussex Academy. While the start of the game was not what Milford had hoped for, the team was not deterred after finding themselves trailing 3-2 after the first quarter. Milford would regroup however, as a high-powered offense and clamp-down defense took control of the game. Milford would have a 5-4 lead and momentum in their favor as the teams entered halftime.
In the second half Milford would score eight goals, allowing none. It’s play like that Milford will need as the 6-6 Buccaneers look for tournament qualification and seeding. With just three games remaining, Milford is going to need solid play in their remaining three games to accomplish their goals for the season.
“We know how many games we have left, but that’s not how this team counts. We count on each play, each possession. The goal is to win the game, and you do that one play at a time, that is the way this team thinks.” Faulkner said.
The player who garners the most attention is senior Ty Mackert who is already the all-time leader in goals and assists in Milford history. When speaking to Faulkner he offered nothing but praise for one of the team leaders.
“Ty has tremendous drive and makes everyone around him better,” the coach said. “While scoring is the key aspect of his game, what matters most to him the most is the team. I have no doubt in my mind that he would trade points for victories, because that is what he is all about”.
Another senior who has been finding the net is senior Chase Reisinger, who has a chance to record a career 100th goal before the end of the season. Reisinger could end his career fourth in Milford career scoring.
“Chase is a real grinder out there and a huge heart. This is a team game, and he is one of the leaders on it”. Faulkner stated.
Milford will host Sussex Tech on May 8 at 6 PM. It will be senior night, and Faulkner is looking forward to celebrating this special group of seniors.
“We talked about two players, but there are so many seniors who contribute and lead on this team. When we had the rough start to the season, they were all there to help us steady the ship. It has truly been an honor to coach these players; there is not one of them who I am not proud of and looking forward to what the future holds for them.” Faulkner said.
