WATERBORO — The Massabesic boys lacrosse team enjoyed a strong second half that propelled it to an 18-8 win over visiting Westbrook on Monday.

After a tight first half in which the Mustangs took an 8-6 lead, Massabesic would go on a 5-0 run in the third quarter and outpace the Blue Blazes 10-2 in the final 24 minutes to secure the win.

Neither team established a rhythm in the first half, but Massabesic coach Steve Gallo felt that his team’s ability to reset was the difference in the second.

“Just calming them down a bit — they were pretty worked up,” said Gallo. “The refs did a fine job but the way the players interpreted it was that it went against them. We always try to coach them, you can’t control that and you have to let it roll off. We hit the reset button and they cleared their heads for the second half.”

“We played sloppy in the first half but we brought it in and knew it wasn’t the lacrosse we were used to playing,” added Ethan Ouellette, who led the Mustangs with a game-high eight goals.

Zion Mercado and Garrett Stubbs also had solid outings for Massabesic, each recording hat tricks on the day. Cam Roy would also add two goals while Brady Cyr and Max Irons picked up one apiece.

Gallo was impressed with Ouellette’s performance, as well as his leadership on the field.

“He’s a stud — he’s a kid that makes things happen,” said Gallo. “When he’s out on the field he’s not only doing his thing but the feel and demeanor of the whole team changes.”

Although the veterans have impressed as of late, Gallo hopes to see his younger squad continue to develop as the Mustangs approach the home stretch of the regular season.

“We have a lot of new players and some our new guys have yet to figure out how to keep a calm head the whole game,” said Gallo. “We try to get these kids in these games, get them experience. They need to mature and get used to the pressure.”

Massabesic is currently sitting in playoff position, and hopes to build on Monday’s win and carry some momentum into the postseason.

“We’ve got some swing games coming up, real toss up games. It’s going to take coming out and playing like we did in that second half in all three games to pull it off and have a great end to the year,” said Gallo. “Leaving it out on the field every game is what it’s going to take.”

Teamwork will also be key, according to Ouellette.

“Playing as a team, not being selfish and moving the ball faster than the defense can play. Just playing as a team in general.”

— 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.