Cohasset Rallies, Beats Canton 14-8 in D3 East Semifinals

As odd as it sounds, going up 3-2 against the Cohasset Skippers was the beginning of the end for the Canton Bulldogs. After taking a lead a little past the midway mark of the second quarter, the Skippers finished the half on an 8-2 run that the Bulldogs had no answer to.

With the possession battle in favor of Cohasset, the Bulldogs’ season ended with a 14-8 loss to the top seed of the MIAA Division 3 East tournament.

The Skippers will play either Dover-Sherborn or Hanover in the finals on June 12 at Harvard Stadium.

“We couldn’t get possession of the ball. This is the first game all year where we couldn’t get the ball,” Canton head coach Bill Bendell said. “They had the bulk of the possessions. Our defense played very well, but they were tired.”

Despite a quick goal by Cohasset’s Nick Tangherlini 41 seconds into the game, the Bulldogs quickly responded only seconds later when Pat Ward converted on the wrap around to tie the game at 1-1 with 10:55 left in the opening quarter.

Later in the quarter, Cohasset took advantage of a man up situation, converting on a Will Golden goal to get out of the quarter up, 2-1.

Ward picked up his second goal of the game on the man advantage with a wide angle shot to tie the game early in the second quarter. A goal from Tommy Galvin gave the Bulldogs their first and only lead of the game with 5:49 left in the half.

Although Canton had the 3-2 advantage, Cohasset’s ability to go on a run and deny possession resulted in an 8-0 run that left Canton far behind by half-time.

“They (Cohasset) are explosive, we couldn’t stop the bleeding there. We had some unfortunate penalties in that run and we couldn’t get settled,” Bendell said.

Down 12-4 going into the fourth quarter, the Bulldogs were able to cut the lead down to five in the fourth quarter but the Skippers were too strong and wrapped up a six goal win against the Bulldogs.

Despite the loss, it was a banner year for one of the more successful teams in the Canton lacrosse history. Finishing the season at 18-2, Bendell reflected on the positives of the season despite disappointing end to the year.

“We got to the second round for the first time, the quarterfinals for the first time, the semifinals for the first time, these guys left a legacy,” Bendell said.