The Mustangs beat the odds in 2016, taking a young roster who had not been used to winning to a 5-7 regular season and a playoff berth for the first time since 2012.
Massabesic saw improvements on and off the field throughout the 2016 campaign, and coach Steve Gallo has seen even more positive energy during the offseason.
“(The) biggest changes came after the season — we had a lot of time to discuss what held us back and what would move us forward. We came in this season asking for a tremendous level of culture shift, so we’ll see if we are able to hit that mark,” said Gallo.
Not only did the Mustangs improve their play on the field, they also matured throughout the season, and bring a more veteran group into 2017. Gallo believes that this seasoned group will use its experience to its advantage this year.
“There’s room for a huge deal of growth. We’re a talented, veteran squad this season, so the intangibles are make or break,” said Gallo. “To get over the hump it’s going to take a true commitment to doing what’s best for the team, versus what makes a player happy at any given moment.”
Although Massabesic plans on taking each game one step at a time, it also hopes to see continued growth on and off the field while also establishing itself as a contender this year in the postseason.
“My only real goal is to see my players live up to their potential, which is quite high. We try not to talk about records and long distance goals, and try to focus on making each practice great,” said Gallo.
So far, Gallo has liked what he has seen on paper and during the preseason, and expects to see the Mustangs’ talent shine through.
“I can tell you that we’re playing the best lacrosse that we ever have,” said Gallo. “Behind the scenes, I’m starting to see the big shifts in culture, but only time will tell if they can maintain it when the chips are down.”
— Associate Sports Editor Alex Sponseller can be reached at [email protected] or at 282-1535 ext. 323. Follow the Journal Tribune Sports Department on Twitter @JournalTsports.
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