St. Thomas boys lacrosse puts it all together in win over Merrimack (video)

MERRIMACK - The St. Thomas Aquinas High School boys lacrosse teams has already pulled out some key wins early in the season, but Tuesday's game against Merrimack might have been the most impressive for the Saints.

St. Thomas took control of the game in the first half with long possessions and got everyone involved in the offense, as six different players scored a goal, in a 13-3 win over the Tomahawks in Division II action.

Brendan Tersolo led the way for the Saints (4-1) with five goals and two assists and freshman Marcus Broom had three goals as St. Thomas led 5-0 at halftime and pulled away on the fourth quarter.

"That was a great team win, across the board," St. Thomas coach Sean Houlahan said. "Offensively, ground balls, defensively, clears, across the board, these guys played a great game. Merrimack is a really good team and my guys stepped up (Tuesday). Guys really showed they know what they’re supposed to do when they’re on the field."

Derek O'Brien also had two goals and three assists while Patrick Vetter had a goal and three assists and Henry DeTolla and Cam DeTolla had a a goal apiece.

Merrimack (4-2) got a goal each from Ian Covell, Jason Hostler and TJ Fasano while Garrett Murray made 12 saves. But the Tomahawks didn't get on the board until 8:18 remained in the third quarter, making it a 7-1 St. Thomas lead.

"Certainly not our best effort," Merrimack coach Brian Miller said. "We had our opportunities, but then we were turning the ball over."

St. Thomas' defense never allowed Merrimack to set up its offense at full strength, as all three Tomahawks' goals came with a man-advantage.

"They have some really talented players on that team," Houlahan said. "They can do some damage and kudos to my team for controlling their best players. I think a lot of it had to do with possession. We were very patient. We only had three or four forced offensive sets, where we were trying to jam it into somebody. We took our time."

Often times, that patience on offense led to an open shot for Tersolo.

"My teammates were just finding me, we were working through and moving the ball," he said. "We just had a good day. I think our team definitely has a good IQ and we see the field very well. We have lots of good feeders and dodgers on our team."

The junior had four of his five goals in the second half, including one with 1:37 left in the third quarter that made it 9-2 and came less than a minute after Merrimack had scored. The Tomahawks looked to gain momentum after winning the ensuing faceoff, but a turnovers set up the goal by Tersolo and St. Thomas continued that run into the fourth quarter.

Both teams return to action on Friday, as St. Thomas hosts Derryfield at 4 p.m. and Merrimack heads to Manchester Central for a 6 p.m. start.