PEABODY — Peabody’s boys lacrosse team improved to 2-1 Friday with a 9-3 win against visiting Salem (2-2).
The game was up for grabs in the first half with Peabody on top, 5-2, heading into the third quarter. From there, the Tanners went on a 4-0 run to lead, 9-2, with less than five minutes to go.
Salem cut the deficit to 9-3 with a goal from Andreas Bernal at the 4:34 mark, but any hopes the Witches had of getting back in the game were dashed by the Tanners’ backfield, which came up with a couple of huge defensive plays to regain possession and run out the clock the rest of the way.
“It was a good, solid, all-around effort today,” said Peabody Coach Jason Marshall. “It was a very clean game for the most part. Our first game against Danvers got a little chippy, but today, the boys were very focused and handled every challenge that came their way, so, overall, it was a good win.”
Salem Coach Joe Merullo said “hats off” to the opposition.
“I thought we matched up well and it was going to be a game of who wants it and momentum. Peabody really came to play today,” Merullo said. “When we got tired and we played back on our heels, Peabody took full advantage of that. They are well-coached and their leaders came out today and set the tone. I’m not happy about the outcome, but I am pleased with the effort, especially defensively early on.”
Peabody’s Jaden Kritikos led all scorers with four goals – most of them bullets.
“I’ve said this before: He has one of the better shots in the area and he really shined today,” Marshall said.
Tyson Higgins (2 assists) and Gabe Santos led the defense with four and three ground balls, respectively. Higgins had a key steal and Santos picked up a key ground ball in the late stages to preserve possession for Peabody.
“Tyson is another one who is a fantastic player who is elevating his skills every year and now, he’s adding an offensive skill component this year,” Marshall said. “Gabe is relatively new to lacrosse, but is back for senior year after missing a couple of years. He’s just a fantastic athlete and it’s great to have him with us. That was a big play that allowed us to hold onto the ball and not let Salem take advantage of the momentum they might have had after they scored.”
Joseph Vaz, Derek Collins (assist, ground ball), and Mason Clickstein (assist) scored one goal apiece. Stephen Brown chipped in with two assists and two ground balls.
Mikey Curtin, Jake Lister and Andreas Bernal scored one goal apiece for Salem.
Peabody goalie Aidan Haight made 12 saves.
“He has always been fantastic in net for us,” Marshall said.
Salem goalie Vincent Merullo finished with 17 saves, many from point-blank range.
“I thought he did a great job,” Merullo said. “He’s getting better every game and is steadily improving. He’s an awesome leader back there and did a great job of keeping us tight and keeping us in the game as long as we were.”
Marshall agreed.
“He was flat-out fantastic,” Marshall said. “He’s only a sophomore, but is very poised for his age. He saw a lot of action, but rose up to the challenge.”
Peabody’s next game is Monday at Masconomet beginning at 4 p.m.
“Masco always has an edge with that grass field, so they do have a bit of home-field advantage,” Marshall said. “It’s a tough place to play, so we need to be ready.”
