Throw last year out the window. Save for returning junior attacker and 40-goal scorer Declan Doherty, the Belmont High School boys lacrosse team offers a different look this spring.
Replacing 15 graduated seniors and 116 goals offers a tough challenge, but the new-look Marauders look forward to making their mark in 2025.
“We know what we can do,” said senior defender and co-captain Michael Mahoney. “Honestly, the whole team is working well together. I think we’ll be able to execute and get it all together.“
The starting offense includes six underclassmen. Sophomore Will Jackmin is the main face-off specialist and starts at attack alongside classmate Peter Ausrotas and O’Brien, a team captain.
Freshman Massimo Valenti looks the part of a dynamic playmaker in the midfield. Sophomores Brooks Leary and Matt Howe add speed alongside. Juniors Eli Akins, a captain, and Jasper Rettig and senior Brendan O’Connor round out the midfield with powerful shots and gritty play.
Seniors Tim Carere and Zach Kefeyan split time as long-stick midfielders, while juniors Leo Packard, Davi Maia and sophomore Peter McGluaghlin roam the field as defensive-minded short-stick midfielders.
Alongside senior defenders (and co-captains) Ryan Murphy and Mahoney, juniors Tom Adrian and Alexander Hoffman lead the defense in front of junior goalkeeper Garen Sandler, who spent two years as the backup.
“We had a lot of depth in our positions last year, and I didn’t think there was that much of a gap between the starters and backups, so we fit together perfectly,” Murphy said.
“We obviously play an aggressive game at 110%,” Mahoney added. “Guys were able to watch and facilitate the things that they did and perform at the same quality that they did.”
Last year, Belmont snuck into the MIAA Division 1 tournament with an 8-10 record. The No. 27 seed, Belmont, fell to No. 6 Andover in the Round of 32. They fell in the same round in 2023, as well. A return to the tournament isn’t out of the question despite the new faces.
“I am very excited about our young and enthusiastic roster and know we are going to be a very fun team to watch this spring,” coach Josh Streit said. “We have a ton of talent all over the field and will be playing a very exciting brand of lacrosse.”
Middlesex League play kicked off Tuesday, April 1 against Melrose. The last two meetings between the teams went to double overtime. Other key dates include Lacrosse Night in Belmont on May 10 vs. Waltham and Senior Day on May 13 vs. Woburn.
They hope to make the postseason seeded in the top 20.
“I feel like people might think we’re underdogs,” Murphy said. “They don’t know what we can do yet, but I think we can prove our potential during the season.”
