WORCESTER, Mass. -- At some point, history becomes a pedigree. In Longmeadow's 40th – yes, 40th – chance to win an MIAA title, that threshold has most certainly been crossed.
The Lancers used a quick-fire offense to keep the Mansfield defense on its toes in Friday’s Division 2 final, and combined that with a suffocating defense that relied heavily on single coverage, man-to-man defense to stifle the first-time D-2 finalists, 10-5.
The Lancers were led first by their defense, which, if you had seen them play this season, is not a surprise. From junior netminder Leigh Chapman making timely saves to Maury Garrett's lung-busting runs into the opposition's box, the engine purred all game long. Unfortunately for Mansfield, its physical style of play in the opposing area of the field was not as successful.
Longmeadow emerged as the kings of Division 2 in coach Frank Verde's first season at the helm. Here are the standout players from the game.
