Algonquin Lacrosse Reloads for Another Title Run

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Joe Parello, GoLocalWorcester Contributor

Senior Conor Healy is already one of the most prolific scorers in Algonquin history.

The Algonquin lacrosse team loses a great deal of talent, and perhaps even more leadership, from last season’s Central Mass Championship squad. But if anyone in the Tomahawk program is worried, they sure aren’t showing it.

“We graduated two great players in Bill Hegarty and Nick Mazzola,” coach Rich Luongo said. “But we’ve got a ton of great talent in the junior and sophomore classes, and our two captains have bought into the system and look like they’re going to follow suit and step right into their shoes.”

Leaving a Legacy

The Tomahawks’ two new captains, seniors Patrick Murphy and David McGovern, will need to have special years if they are to replace what Luongo called his best captain duo ever. The two insist that coming into this year as defending champs has added no pressure, but that the team is ready to leave its mark on the program’s history.

“High expectations are assumed in the locker room, we know we’re a good team,” Murphy said. “Coach always talks about leaving a legacy. We did that last year, and as a captain, I want this team to be remembered for being really good, and for being very dedicated. We put in the work to win.”

A Prolific Scorer

The Tomahawks also return one of the most prolific goal scorers in Central Mass history. Senior Conor Healy is coming off a junior season in which he scored 60 goals and dished out 56 assists. His 116 points led Central Mass, and Luongo knows his offense will again run through Healy.

Senior Patrick Murphy looks ready to fill some big shoes in the Tomahawk's defense.

“He’s a kid that has a shot at 200 career goals, so obviously, he can score,” Luongo said. “But Conor is also really balanced. He can distribute the rock and get everybody involved. There aren’t too many scorers that can pass like he can.”

Defensive Minded?

With a solid midfield and an explosive scorer, Algonquin appears to be set on the front end. The Tomahawks did lose starting goalkeeper Kyle Stewart to graduation, but Luongo thinks junior Giles Ober may be even better in net this season. McGovern is confident in his team at every position, but does not know if they have found a collective identity yet.

“We’ve gone through a lot of change in personnel, so I don’t think we’ve found that identity yet,” McGovern said. “I think we’re still trying to form it, and in the next few weeks we need to get a good idea of what our strengths and weaknesses are before the season really gets going.”

Heavyweight Bout Early

The Tomahawks will have little time to figure things out, as a rematch of last year’s Central Mass Championship looms with rival St. John’s. The Tomahawks edged the Pioneers 10-9 last season, thanks largely to four goals by then-sophomore Davis Kraft. The game is set for April 7th at Algonquin, and Murphy expects a playoff atmosphere.

“It’s always my favorite game of the year,” Murphy said. “Everyone takes it to a different level in that game, and I know that if we had come out on the other end of last year’s championship, I’d be ready to play. So, we know we’re going to get everything they’ve got.

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