Returning leadership looks to guide Waltham High boys lacrosse

Having secured a berth in the MIAA Division 1 state tournament last year, the Waltham High School boys lacrosse team is a battle-tested group. This experience will be critical in the 2025 campaign as a tight-knit group of Hawks looks to take the next step forward.

WHS returns a plethora of dynamic players from the year prior, including a group of a dozen seniors. Entering their last season of high school sports, this class will look to rough up the competition.

“I’m excited about the group of men we have coming back from last year,” head coach Eddie Villafane said. “We’re returning a lot of kids. All five of our captains are really strong.”

Each layer of the lineup has staunch veteran leadership. All-Dual County League goaltender Jack Ouligian, known for his athleticism and propensity to make some highlight-reel saves, is back for his senior year between the pipes. He will be assisted by a talented two-way midfielder and DCL All-Star in Jack O’Brien and the team’s leading scorer in Zach Wilson, who had some incredible performances last year including five goals in a win over Newton South High School and a hat trick in an upset of Wayland High School. 

The Hawks also return captain Sam Rizza, who proved himself on the football field this past fall as a tough wide receiver and defensive back.

“He is our silent assassin,” Villafane said.

It’s on the defensive end of the field where Waltham will stake its identity this year. The team looks to stifle opponents while making it difficult for any attack to rattle Ouligian’s cage.

“Our goalie is one of the best in the state, and we have some athletic defenders who have been playing together for a long time,” Villafane said. “They communicate well and have a great grasp of how we like to play defense as a group. They understand each other.”

Offensively is where some younger players will have the opportunity to step up and develop. The Hawks will be seeking strides from sophomore Ray DeVincent, who has the chance to take control of the top attacking midfield role. 

“We are working to find our offensive identity,” Villafane said. “Practices have been good, and we are assimilating some sophomores. One is my son, Ben.”

The Hawks home opener is slated for Friday, April 4, at 6:00 p.m. against Malden Catholic at Leary Field.