DERRY, N.H. – Minutes after his six-point – five goals, one assist – performance in the Astros’ dominating, 17-3, quarterfinal win over Merrimack High, senior Matt Gormady noted his team’s strength.
Balance.
Exhibit A: Pinkerton scored four goals in under two minutes to open the game with four different scorers. And Merrimack hadn’t even gotten shot off yet.
“Everybody is good,” he said minutes after his six-point – five goals, one assist – performance in the Astros’ dominating, 17-3, quarterfinal win over Merrimack High. “We don’t have that one very good player.”
Several people in attendance would disagree with Gormady, headed to Div. 2 Southern New Hampshire University in the fall. Included his head coach.
“Matt is special – the best,” said Coach Marty Auger. “He’s quick. He’s electric. When he shows up to the field, opposing teams are focused on him every time. And what does he? Five goals.”
The senior captain does have some very good helpers along side, including three other senior teammates – Caleb Hobden (D), Clarkson; Brendan Carney (LSM), Endicott; and Connor Hathaway (D), SNHU – headed to play college lacrosse next spring.
There is also a sensational sophomore, Levi Weaver, who quietly scored four goals nursing severe blisters.
But the straw that stirs his state championship contender’s drink is the 5-foot-7, 150-pound Gormady.
In fact, coach Auger brought in basketball term to note his impact even without scoring.
“He’s so quick and can dodge any defender,” said Auger. “I know he lead us in points. But his ability to draw defenders, which he gets away from, helps create our layups.”
As in easy goals.
Gormady’s ability to get around a defender is a trait he has nurtured as long as he’s played the sport, overcoming his short stature.
“When I see a big defender on me I love that,” said Gormady, with a big smile. “I honestly like being the little guy. I use it to my advantage.”
While he also wrestled for three years at Pinkerton, lacrosse was always his go-to sport. His father played at Salem State and put a stick in his hands as soon as he could walk.
“It’s our family sport, no doubt,” said Gormady. “We always played in the backyard growing up. My dad coached me up until high school. It’s what I do. It’s what I love. I can’t get enough of it, to be honest.”
Pinkerton advances to the semifinals against perennial power Bishop Guertin, which beat the Astros in the state final, 19-5, having won the last four Division I state titles.
*****
Pinkerton 17, Merrimack 3
Derry, N.H.
Score by periods:
Pinkerton 6-4-1-6–17
Merrimack 1-1-1-0–3
Goals:
P – Gormady 5, Cade Johnston 2, Weaver 4, Jackson Farrell 2, Tyler Pinardi, Ryan Hewes, Mateo Manna, Mike Boudros
Assists:
P – Johnston 2, Farrell 2, Pinardi 3, Gormady, Dylan Stingle 2, Ryson Michaud, Boudras 2, Manna
Saves:
P – Owen Perkins 5; Gavin Burwell 3
Faceoffs:
P – Stingle 19-2; Pinardi 3-0