WATERBORO — The Massabesic girls lacrosse team avenged its heartbreaking 2016 state finals loss to Messalonskee with a convincing, undefeated 2017 campaign that resulted in a Class A championship this spring.

The Mustangs emerged as the most well-rounded team in the state, with an explosive offense, tight defense and strong goaltender. However, there was perhaps no one that made quite the impact that junior Madi Drain made on the hungry Massabesic club.

“Madi impacts the program in so many ways. Everyone knows of her

offensive impact, but defensively she is equally as valuable,” said Massabesic coach Brooks Bowen. “Her anticipation of the flow of an offense makes her a disruptive force. Interceptions, closing passing lanes, sliding to doubles, pressuring the ball, and constantly communicating all serve to force errors that have provided us with multiple opportunities at the offensive end.”

Drain was a consistent force on the field, but was also a hard worker that brought a level of intensity that others could not match to each game and practice. Although Drain played with plenty of fire power, she was also a calming presence when the going got rough for the Mustangs.

“Off the field she is a catalyst as well — she loves the game and the team,” said Bowen. “Her laughter and sarcasm help to relieve team tension and power us through some of those grueling practices. She loves to see her teammates be successful and is our loudest cheerleader when they are.”

Another difference between Drain and the field was her ability to produce on the biggest stages.

After an impressive 2016 postseason run, Drain followed it up in 2017 by scoring hat tricks in the conference final against Marshwood as well as the state title clash against Messalonskee … all while being a constant presence defensively and creating turnovers.

Bowen believes her success stems from dedication, as well as passion both at practice and on game day. Her passion was also contagious on the team throughout the year, as she challenged her teammates to bring the same level of compete day in and day out.

“While you may not be sure of what Madi will do next, the one thing you know is it will be at top speed with a purpose,” said Bowen. “The team knows that everyday they have to bring their best to practice and Madi is a major reason why. She is one of our players that makes those around her better just by her intensity and explosiveness.”

The Mustangs plan on welcoming a large freshman class to the program in 2018. Bowen expects to not only see Drain continue to impress on the field, but he also expects her to help develop the younger players to maintain the Massabesic program that has become a powerhouse.

“As one of several team leaders in a very talented class, Madi’s responsibility will be to bring a large incoming freshman class to their full potential quickly,” said Bowen. “Madi has also discovered that the offseason strength and conditioning benefits reap very high rewards. Madi discovered the versatility of her left hand in the playoffs — as teams over played the right she scored several times going left. If I know Madi, the one thing I can assure you is you won’t be able to tell the difference by next spring.”

— 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.