Blue Lax Loses Thriller to Hornets

Swampscott lacrosse coaches were happy with the team's effort Wednesday at home vs. North Reading, especially to see players dig for loose groundballs.

The final score was 7-6 North Reading, which won its sixth game and remains unbeaten on the season.

Still, it was anyone's game in the final two minutes.

Swampscott, which was undefeated going into the game, had rallied from a 5-1 deficit at halftime and controlled the action in the second half.

Defenseman Billy Valle had an unheard of 17 groundballs, said coaches Josh Field and Tom Driscoll.

"I've never seen that," said Driscoll.

Valle also scored a goal.

The others were scored by Matt Gambale, 2, Brian Santry, Chris Condon and Josh Rothwell.

Coach Field said he was proud of the way the team played.

The players were upset that they lost but that meant they cared about the game.

The team can fix the small things they need to fix and continue to progress. Because of their commitment and effort, they have potential to be a very good team, the coach said.

The North Reading coach, Chuck Campobasso, said his team had trouble in its transition play in the face of the nice job Swampscott did on defense.

Eric Valenti scored four goals and Dylan Poor had two, including the game winner.

Mike O'Brien had a goal.