Hitchings saves the day
April 19, 2009
By Marvin Pave, Boston Globe West
The Massachusetts Maritime Academy men's lacrosse team was off to its best start in five seasons and one of the major reasons for the Buccaneers' early success was their last line of defense - junior goalie James Hitchings of Dover.
Hitchings helped the team match its victory total of last season with four wins in nine matches through Wednesday, including a 15-6 verdict over Becker on April 9 that ended the host Hawks' six-match winning streak.
A lacrosse standout back at Dover-Sherborn High, where he was a three-sport athlete, Hitchings has posted a 9.91 goals-against average and .540 save percentage, including a season-high 16 saves in a 7-5 victory at Salem State on March 31. He ranked second in the Pilgrim Lacrosse League in save percentage and third in both goals-against average and saves per game.
"James is just persistent on every play, both in practice and game situations," said head coach Barry Joyce. "I have never had a more coachable or dedicated player on my team, and he is the competitive fire that makes us go."