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Tomahawks fall to Sabers in boys lax

AMHERST – The pressure was there early, but the Tomahawks just couldn’t capitalize.

Merrimack (0-3) played its best lacrosse in the first, as the Sabers only had a 7-5 advantage in shots on goal after the opening frame. However, the Sabers erupted for seven second-quarter goals en route to a 15-1 victory at Calvetti Family Field.

Thomas Hornor led the Sabers with three goals, while Foster Burnley, Nick Jordan, Tyler Hall and Hennas scored twice. Drew Pollio (two assists), Ethan Hopey (assist), Luke Civiello (assist) and Julian Whitter each contributed a goal for Souhegan, as well.

Souhegan coach Keith Bertrand recognized his Sabers looked a little vulnerable early.

“In the first quarter, we were having trouble communicating. If it wasn’t for our goalie Alex Burnley, who is the best in the state, that could have been a game in the first quarter,” Bertrand said. “We kind of put the clamps down in the second quarter. We started communicating and played significantly better at that point.”

Merrimack’s goal came from Jay Lanigan in the third quarter off an assist from Alec Bronchuk. Goalie Garrett Murray made eight stops for the Tomahawks, while Devin Johnson had two saves in fourth-quarter duty.

“We had a couple of opportunities there, we just didn’t finish right off the bat,” Merrimack coach Brian Miller said. “We’re a really young team. I think we have a starting group of seven sophomores. They’re getting adjusted to the varsity speed. (Souhegan) did a nice job of capitalizing on our mistakes and our mental errors.”

Souhegan returns to action Thursday at home against Nashua South.

Merrimack hosted Manchester Central on Thursday, but results were not available by Merrimack Journal press time.

“It’s about the process. We have a lot of things to work on. We have a lot of young athletes who have the tools,” Miller said. “It’s going to take a while to get things put together, but it will come along. We have a good group of seniors leading the guys. It’s frustrating because they want to win, but Division I is tough.”

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