It didn’t go down without a fight.
If the No. 2 Nantucket boys lacrosse team goes on to win the Division 4 state championship next week, it’ll remember the battle that it got from Pentucket in the Elite 8. The No. 7-seeded Panthers weathered the long drive and the ferry ride to the island on Saturday evening, but couldn’t pull off the upset in a season-ending loss to the Whalers in the state quarterfinals, 10-9.
Pentucket (11-8) had its chances, and was in it until the very end.
For the second time in three years, though, the program sees a terrific season end in the state quarterfinals.
But the team wouldn’t have gotten that opportunity had it not earned some revenge in the Round of 16. Back during the 2024 tournament, the Panthers had to make the trip down to the Cape and lost to Sandwich in the Elite 8. But flash forward two years later to Thursday night, and the Panthers were able to take down the No. 10-seeded Blue Knights in the Sweet 16, 14-7.
Senior co-captain Mac Cole was excellent in the win, pouring in six goals. Nate Stys added a hat-trick, Michael Torrisi had two goals and three assists, and both Aiden Napolitano and Jackson Miller were terrific both for the faceoff unit and on defense.
But another great year has come to an end.
Pentucket is unfortunately losing quite a bit of firepower, with its strong senior class of Cole, Napolitano, Miller, Steven Harper, Henry Gagnon, Evan Accardi and Quinn Vuylsteke all graduating out. But the cupboard certainly won’t be empty, as both Stys and Torrisi highlight a returning core that should also include Senan Lucey, Zack Tilton, Louis Martiniello, Charles Rec, Brody Hines and Sam Escobar.
The Panthers will be back.