Boys Lacrosse: Prep set to defend its Division 1 title

It looked midway through the season like the St. John’s Prep lacrosse team might not have the chance to defend its Division 1 East title this season.Sitting at 2-4 through six games, the Eagles were scuffling in a big way. But like all championship teams seem to do, St. John’s solved its woes and won 8-of-11 down the stretch to earn a postseason spot.The Eagles’ quest for a second straight state title will begin on Wednesday at Cronin Stadium when the No. 9 seed hosts No. 24 Lowell (7-9).St. John’s road to the finals will keep it away from powerhouse Duxbury, who the Eagles beat in overtime last year at Harvard Stadium to claim the title.In Division 2, Marblehead earned the No. 21 seed after finishing with an 11-7 regular season record and will hit the road on Tuesday (5) to take on No. 12 Scituate.Northeastern Conference/North champion Beverly is back in the postseason and is seeded 11th after a 13-5 regular season. The Panthers will host No. 22 Bishop Feehan on Tuesday (5) at Hurd Stadium.Swampscott claimed the NEC South title to earn a postseason spot despite an 8-10 regular season mark. The Big Blue, seeded 22nd, will be at No. 11 Newburyport on Tuesday (5).Lynnfield had an 11-5 regular season mark and will be at No. 15 Canton in a preliminary round game on Tuesday.