MARION — The Apponequet Regional High School hockey team suffered a 5-0 loss at the hands of Old Rochester Regional High School at Travis Roy Arena on Saturday, Jan. 20. Apponequet Head Coach Ed Botelho said his team will have to get to winning ways soon in order to qualify for the MIAA state tournament.

“We’re fighting for a playoff spot,” said Botelho. “After this loss I don’t think we’re in, we have to win a few more games.”

The loss dropped the Lakers’ record to 4-7 this season.

Old Rochester took a commanding 3-0 lead in the first period and added one goal in both the second and third periods.

“We weren’t physical,” said Botelho of the disappointing first period. “They outplayed us — I don’t think we were ready to play.”

According to Botelho, the Lakers “woke up” after the first period, but it was too late for the Lakers to salvage the result.

Apponequet drew a difficult matchup in Old Rochester goaltender Tucker Roy, who hasn’t allowed a goal in three consecutive games.

This season, success has come to Apponequet when the team shows up offensively and scores goals. In the Lakers’ four wins this season, the team has scored 26 total goals. In their seven losses, the team has totaled just six goals.

Senior Barrett Becotte opened the scoring less than two minutes into the game for Old Rochester, and scored again in the third period to put the Bulldogs ahead 5-0.

The Lakers have eight games remaining to better their record enough to reach the postseason.

Apponequet’s next game is on Monday, Jan. 22 against Southeastern Vocational Technical School at Raynham Iceplex.