RallyNorth.net

The Manchester Essex boys lacrosse team appears to be poised to build on last year's two-win campaign. At least if yesterday's contest against Pentucket is any barometer.

The Hornets rolled to a 9-4 victory over Pentucket in the season-opener for both schools. The offensive outburst was backed by a five-goal performance from senior attack Will Doucette and a three-goal performance from sophomore attack Jim Finn. Cam Doane added four assists.

Ryan Gendreau, Ryan Hanna and Steve Dangora each had hat tricks and an assist to lead the Generals, who improved to 1-1 with the Cape Ann League road win.. Jake Cotter contributed a pair of goals while Charlie Pilkanis, Ben Penta, Zach Cotter and Jay Allsopp each had one.

Don't ask Newburyport senior Kevin Ryan to reflect on his days as a junior varsity athlete.

He can't.

That's because the three-sport standout never played JV. Ryan, a football, hockey and lacrosse standout, is entering his 12th and final varsity season at Newburyport High.

It might have looked dark and gloomy in the skies above Bishop Fenwick's lacrosse field yesterday afternoon. The results on the field, though, were anything but as the Crusaders opened the 2008 season with an 18-7 romp over Northeast Regional.

Andover defeated Newton South 8-3 in the teams' season opener.

C.J. Shea scored two goals and assisted on one, while Brendan Hughes also added two scores. Peter Hanson had a goal and two assists.

Coach: Donna Andersen (fifth year)

Last season: 11-6

Key players: Paul Bishop, sr.; Chris LeSage, sr.; Derek Clark, sr.; Josh Arango, sr.; Caleb Woodworth, jr.; Craig White, jr.

Coach: Ed Gaudiano (fifth year)

Last season: 6-9

Key players: Justin Burl, sr.; Kirk Dillon, sr.; Kevin Ryan, sr.; Sam Melanson, sr.; John Cutter, sr.; Dan Durant, sr.; Joe Ciavacco, sr.

2007 record: 11-8, lost Division 1 East preliminaries

Returning starters (8): Cody Skinner, Sr., goalie; Tom Murray, Sr., attack; Nick Vazquez, Jr., attack; Joe Natale, Jr., attack; Kevin Woodman, Sr., midfield; Ryan Gauthier, Jr., midfield; Kyle Burke, Jr., defense; Troy Warcewicz, Sr., midfield

2007 record: 9-10, lost Division 2 East preliminaries

Returning starters (8): Patrick Helfrich, Sr., midfield; Chris Noyes, Sr., midfield; Preston Carmichael, Sr., midfield; Rob Caulk, Sr., midfield; Shain Jowett, Jr., midfield; Corey Hamilton, Sr., defense; Mike Tavares, Sr., defense; Eric Josephs, Jr., midfield

2007 record: 16-5, lost Division 1 East semifinals

Returning starters (6): Nick Reeder, Sr., goalie; Peter Hanson, Sr., midfield; Brendan Hughes, Sr., midfield; Matt Rayner, Sr., defense; Joe Lamagna, Jr., attack; Tripp Stevens, Sr., defense