WATERBORO — The Massabesic High School girls lacrosse program has put together an incredible run over the past few years. The Mustangs reached the state final in 2016 and went a perfect 16-0 as they won the Class A championship last season.
The Mustangs’ success has continued this season as they are currently riding a 26-game win streak after starting the 2018 campaign a perfect 10-0. A major part of that impressive run has been the play and leadership of this year’s senior class for the Mustangs — and four of those standouts signed with college programs on Monday evening.
Morgan Pike, Lydia Wasina, Kaylee St. Laurent and Logan Champlin all made their college picks official as they celebrated with family and friends at Woody’s Sports Grille in Waterboro.
“They’ve been the heart and soul (of the program) for years,” said Massabesic coach Brooks Bowen of the senior group, which also includes standout Maddie Drain. “I mean even when they were cutting their teeth as freshman we knew we had something special. They have carried the load and we filled in around them … I’m a little bit spoiled.”
Champlin, who is heading to Saint Joseph’s College in Standish, believes playing in a strong program like Massabesic with a ton of talent on the roster has helped prepare her for the next level.
“It’s definitely nice having other girls just as good or even better … playing with them really makes you realize that you’re always going to be able to get better no matter what,” said Champlin, who also gave credit to Bowen and the rest of the Massabesic coaches. “Coach Bowen definitely has us practice at a collegiate level, so there’s always a step higher when practicing, high expectations so it kind of got us ready.”
Pike, who will play at Endicott College, echoed that sentiment.
“The program is very special here. I’ve grown up since the second grade playing. It’s a very serious program and it’s really built up my work ethic and drive to want to get better in everything, not just lacrosse but academics as well. The staff and the girls really prepare you for the future which is awesome,” said Pike, who will be a math major at Endicott.
St. Laurent also gave credit to the Massabesic coaches and her parents for helping her get to this point.
“My coaches and my parents, they are the reason that I’m continuing (in lacrosse) … my coaches have encouraged me so much to keep playing at the next level. I would not be playing at the next level if it wasn’t for them, so I’m so grateful,” said St. Laurent, who has signed with Plymouth State University.
One thing all four Massabesic seniors had in common was a focus on academics when they were looking at schools.
“I was really interested in their education program because I want to go for secondary education and they’ve just been really known for their program there,” said Wasina, who will attend the University of Maine at Farmington. “I have friends who have been there and also my aunt went there as well, and they’ve just said nothing but great things.”
St. Laurent will also be going for an education degree when she heads to Plymouth State in the fall.
“I visited a few different schools, but once I went on campus (at Plymouth State) I just fell in love with it. The campus is super pretty down there. They have a really good education program and I’m going for elementary education so that was perfect. I just knew when I went there the first time that it’s where I wanted to go,” St. Laurent said.
Champlin’s college choice came down to two schools just down the road from Waterboro.
“I was looking at (the University of New England) and St. Joe’s just because they are both (close to home) and I didn’t want to be far from home. Both coaches reached out to me and I just felt that St. Joe’s was the better fit. It’s a smaller school and had the program that I wanted, which was nursing,” said Champlin.
Before the Massabesic standouts head to the next level, they have some unfinished business to take care of. The Mustangs will face two-time defending Class B state champ Kennebunk, which now plays in Class A, on Thursday with homefield advantage in the Class A South playoffs on the line.
“Just keep playing like we’ve been playing, finish out strong and hopefully, I know Thursday is going to be a challenging game, but we’ve just got to give it our all and hopefully the better team will come out on top,” said Pike on the big matchup with Kennebunk.
The Mustangs are obviously looking to capture their second straight state title in a few weeks, but no matter what happens in the 2018 playoffs this group will leave a lasting legacy at Massabesic.
“Oh my goodness, there’s so many (memories) I can’t even begin,” said St. Laurent on her time with the lacrosse program. “Last year was just so incredible and we’re hoping that we can recreate that this year, but no matter where we end up we’ve already made so many good memories, so I’m thankful for that.”
Champlin is hoping the success of the girls lacrosse program can be an example for future athletes at Massabesic.
“I know the senior group wanted to make an impact on the team, kind of show that it is possible … just because we’re from a little town in Waterboro, Maine doesn’t mean you’re not capable of it,” said Champlin.
Bowen believes they have already accomplished that.
“I think the school community recognizes, and especially the lacrosse community recognizes, that if you set your mind to something and go to work you can achieve any goal that you set for yourself and that’s what these girls have done,” Bowen said.
— Sports Editor Pat McDonald can be reached at pmcdonald@journaltribune.com or at 282-1535 ext. 322. Follow the Journal Tribune Sports Department on Twitter @JournalTsports.

Copy the Story Link

Comments are not available on this story.