By John Plourde
Contributing Writer

GOFFSTOWN - In just the second season of competitive lacrosse in Goffstown, both the U13 and U15 boys teams played well in their openers. The U13 team began the day by posting a 9-6 win over visiting Cocheco of Dover, while the older boys battled Cocheco to a 5-5 tie.

In the first game, Quinn Nolan scored the first goal of the season off a pass from Colin Bourque, who also assisted on the following goal by Jake Glauser. Bourque then scored the third goal for Goffstown off a feed from Nolan.

First-half netminder Drew Simoneau made several key saves, and defensive plays from Pat Signer, Cam Finn and Dan Considine, as well as the overall hustle of Goffstown's defense and midfield players, helped the locals forge a 3-1 halftime lead.

Bourque added three second- half goals, one assisted by Nolan.

Cocheco mounted a fourthquarter comeback, but Connor House-Myers added two goals, assisted by Chris Plourde and Bourque. Plourde then capped the scoring with his first career goal.

Physical play in the second half by Drew Simoneau, Matt Jennings and Gary Gobin in front of clutch goaltending by Cam Finn preserved the win.

In the U15 contest, hard hitting from Liam House-Myers early and aggressive play from Brian Bourque throughout put Goffstown in a position to win. Only a fine performance from Cocheco.s experienced keeper kept this one tied.

"Their goaltender stole the game," said Goffstown's U15 coach, Mark Hurley. House- Myers, Bourque, Jon Carlisle, and several other Goffstown players hammered shot after shot at the Cocheco goalie.

Pat Hurley eventually found the mark on a feed from Carlisle, who assisted on four of the five goals. Bourque, Nick Ayer and Brandon Shearin also benefitted from Carlisle's passing.

Ayer won a faceoff and plowed through the defense for the team's other goal.

Defensemen Joe Hurley, Kyle Thomas, Jim Waller, Mike Batty and Allen Finn shut down much of the Cocheco attack, aiding first-time goaltender Corey O'Brien turn in a solid performance.

The midfield play of Jake Staffiere, Jake Gingras, Connor Nolan, A.J. Plourde, Tyler Ellis and Matt Befort helped return the play to the offensive zone.