The Middleboro High School boys’ lacrosse team is facing a year of development.

“We have a lot of work to do,” head coach Joe Barry said. “We have a lot of young guys, we’re going to build, and hopefully win some games down the road.”

The Sachems have plenty of younger players in big roles, with just five seniors — captain and midfielder Cullen Holmes, defender Robert Lynn, attacker Dean Teceno, defensive midfielder Andrew Smart, and attacker Jake Jordan — on the 29-person roster.

In addition to Holmes, junior midfielder Jack Kavleski and junior defender Jake Calogero serve as captains.

Despite a season-opening 14-2 loss against Apponequet Regional High School on Friday, April 31, the Middleboro Sachems played strong defense and improved throughout the game.

Barry said the team only has one returning starter on offense.

Sophomore goalie Grant Davis grew in confidence throughout the game, making saves and firing long passes from the mouth of his goal to midfield, allowing his teammates to start attacks quickly.

“Our goalie was grinding today,” Barry said. “He really helped us out and kept us in the game a little bit.”

Teceno scored both of the Sachems’ goals in the fourth quarter of the game thanks to accurate shooting and intelligent movement between Apponequet defenders.

Kavaleski created plenty of scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates by breaking down the visitors’ defense when he ran with the ball.

Apponequet held the ball for most of the game. Middleboro’s defenders, led by Calogero and junior Ryan Delancey, blocked passes and did not let their rivals have much success in one-on-one situations.

“Defensively, we were ready,” Barry said. “We have a lot of veterans on defense, which helps.”

Middleboro played a zone defense, meaning they defended certain areas of the field instead of guarding a specific player. Apponequet head coach Jeremy Nodelman said that caused problems for his team and made them adjust their offensive gameplan.

The Sachems will have a second chance at beating the Lakers in a late-season road game on May 17. 

Upcoming home games against South Shore League opponents include Rockland High School at 4 p.m. on April 10, Mashpee High School at 4 p.m. on April 27, and Hull High School at 4 p.m. on May 1.