Hornets start sectionals with win 

No. 2 Lakeland knew it would be important to set the tone early in its Section 1 Class AA opening-round contest against visiting No. 15 Brewster Friday afternoon, and it did just that.  

Matteo DiLaura scored two goals within the first nine minutes for the Hornets, who led 4-0 at halftime, en route to their 5-2 win. 

“Our team was able to get off to a great start with all of the motivation given to us,” DiLaura said. “Just being hyped up to play with the boys another time while trying to continue playing with them definitely motivated me, but the brotherhood between our players and the drive to want to continue playing with each other definitely had a big part in our opening, allowing us to get off the ground.” 

Lakeland coach Tim Hourahan said that his team had a great approach to the game and took control of it early. 

“This let the team play really free and having played Brewster for a third time now, we had a good idea of how they wanted to play against us and followed the game plan,” Hourahan said. “It always helps when you score two goals on your first two chances.” 

DiLaura, a senior forward and captain, scored his first goal 42 seconds into the game to put Lakeland (12-4-1) up 1-0, with Lucas Lobo assisting.  

“Our team got a really good start off the opening kickoff, which allowed us to corner them in their own end,” DiLaura said. “Through a little luck I was open in the middle and shot it bottom right. It was exhilarating to be able to take the lead early and it proved to our team that we came to play.” 

DiLaura doubled the Hornets’ advantage to 2-0 off another assist from Lobo.  

“The second goal was sent from a cross, and seeing the goalie cheat towards the middle of the goal, I decided to slide it near post to where he just left and score,” DiLaura said. “The second goal was exciting because it showed we can score consistently early and hopefully get more later on.” 

Senior defenseman Christian Moscati scored courtesy of an assist from Chris Paljusevic, increasing Lakeland’s advantage to 3-0. 

“Chris Paljusevic off a corner, got to the end line  and cut it back right to me,” Moscati said. “Luke Gomes dummied it and I didn’t strike the ball amazingly but I hit it into the low corner and the goalie just couldn’t get to it. I credit Chris for that, all I had to do was get to my spot and finish it off.” 

Moscati said that starting off the sectional tournament with a dominant win is exactly what the Hornets needed. 

“We have had a lot of lows and highs this season and to start the tournament hot should help our confidence and play going forward,” Moscati said. “It felt relieving to get the first win (in sectionals) as a senior, knowing every practice or game from here could be my last. I’m just proud of the team.” 

A goal by Chris Gittleson, assisted by Conor Hourahan, gave Lakeland a 4-0 halftime lead with a score by Paljusevic, assisted by Nick Ahmataj, putting the Hornets up 5-0 in the second half. 

The backline of Moscati at right back, Adam Eskander and Colin Purcell at center backs, and Daniel Flannery at left back helped keep Brewster off the scoreboard until late in the game.  

“Winning most of the second balls was definitely a key in our defensive work, along with being able to close the ball down and defend uniformly as a team,” DiLaura said. “Big shoutout to the backline for not letting anyone get past and have any big chances on our net in the first half, which was key for getting us started.” 

Lakeland’s pressing strategy was strong. 

“Our midfield and our forwards squeezing down and winning the ball at midfield made my job a lot easier,” Moscati said. “Every time they tried to play long, our backline did a great job of clearing, keeping us out of danger, and making sure not to play middle a lot.” 

Hornet goaltenders Aiden Plouffe, Mike Ettere, and Deny Toxqui combined to make 7 saves.  

Lobo, DiLaura, and Paljusevic scored, Ahmataj, Bernie Keating, and Eskander garnered the assists, with Plouffe recording 5 saves in Lakeland’s 3-0 victory against visiting Brewster in its regular-season finale on Oct. 19.  

Lakeland will next host the Class AA quarterfinals at 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26, against No. 10 Horace Greeley.