Cormac Hildum

Daniel Shattuck lines up for a faceoff with a First Colonial player. The Dolphins went on to win this game on April 10, 2025 by a score of 9-6.

In just its third year as a VHSL sport, the Ocean Lakes lacrosse team has already established itself as a perennial contender in the beach district. 

After beginning their season with two tough losses and an overall 1-3 start, the Dolphins got a big morale boost by way of a huge rivalry win against First Colonial (FC). 

“We scheduled these tough games so we could test our boys and they are well prepared for conference matchups,” head coach Spence Perry said. “The win [against FC] was majorly important for playoff seeding and momentum for our season.”

After playing an extremely competitive out-of-conference schedule, the Dolphins are confident they can string together multiple wins in a row before the season’s end in order to make their way to the playoffs. 

“I think we certainly have what it takes,” captain and 2024 first-team all-region defender Sawyer Adams said. “It’s all a matter of the team finally meshing and getting some consistent performances out of our key players.” 

Obviously, a deep run through the regional bracket is the goal of any top team, but many of the upperclassmen have their sights set even higher.

“Our key to success is remaining level headed and never letting any single outcome get to our heads,” senior midfielder and faceoff specialist Daniel Shattuck said. “The season moves too fast for us to dwell on any game for too long.”

After a second straight season-ending injury to captain and Gavin Workman, the team has had to look elsewhere. The attack is now headlined by Madsen, who’s maneuverability in the attacking third of the field has made him the team’s leading goal scorer all season. Madsen will continue to be relied on down the stretch, according to Perry. 

Aside from him, the team has looked towards some underclassmen to step-up into big-time roles. 

“Our sophomores, Matthew Mclaughlin and David Strickland have both done great jobs stepping up so far,” Perry said. 

In the midfield, Shattuck and junior Dillon Libasci set the tone for the Dolphins up and down the field. Getting unsettled clears (the lacrosse version of a fastbreak in basketball) is a big role for the team’s midfielders. 

The transition [from defense to midfield] has definitely been hard; I’ve had to put in a lot of extra time outside of practice to work on my dodging and shooting capabilities,” Dillon said. “

For those unfamiliar with the sport of lacrosse, size and strength are pivotal, especially for things like faceoffs (given after any goal or stoppage in play, ball is dropped by the referee and two players vie for it) and ground balls (any loose ball). Regardless, the Dolphins pride themselves on playing with a chip on their shoulders at all times. 

“We play physical lacrosse at Ocean Lakes,” Perry said. “The addition of Will Maisenbacher has been key to improving our physical defensive mindset.”

Defense is perhaps the strongest position group for the Dolphins, where Adams and Maisenbacher, along with fellow senior Kelly Williams help to further anchor the defense. 

“I try to be a leader on the field for our defense while also pushing the ball in transition,” Williams said. 

After a frustrating 14-6 loss to Cox on Wednesday, May 7, the Dolphins soundly defeated Salem on Friday, May 9, 14-2. The team now sits at 5-6. Thus, winning the last four games on their schedule is imperative if they want to ensure a spot in the playoffs. 

“The mindset has to be to compete and fight for every possession, every ground ball, and every opportunity presented to us the rest of the way,” Perry said.