WATERBORO — Family.
That’s what you will see if you are at Fitzpatrick Stadium in Portland this afternoon. Not just brothers, sisters, parents and grandparents, but a family made up of athletes, alumni, coaches and fans all wearing green and white and h
oping to see one thing — the Massabesic girls lacrosse team bring home another state championship.
The Mustangs, who will take on Class A North champ Falmouth at 3:30 p.m. today, believe the family atmosphere head coach Brooks Bowen has created plays a major role in their success.
“We are a very, very, very close-knit family,” said senior Madi Drain. “Bowen has done a very good job of making sure that we always uplift our sisters and make sure we’re a family throughout the whole, entire year.”
Bowen felt like that bond that his players have formed may have been a factor in the Mustangs’ 10-9 win over a tough Kennebunk squad in Wednesday’s Class A South final.

“I don’t know if it always shows up on the surface, but if you get into a game like we had on Wednesday — I’m not going to sit here and tell you it made the difference — but I feel a lot more comfortable that we are the way we are during those tight situations,” said Bowen.
The Massabesic squad features 10 seniors, who all graduated on Thursday night, and the Mustangs are hoping to ride that experience to another state gold.
“They’re not only a big group, they are a talented group,” said Bowen of his senior class. “They are an experienced group and we’re going to rely on all 10 of those seniors and a handful of juniors going into (the state final game) because they’ve been there before.”
This will mark the third straight trip to the state final for the Mustangs, who rolled to the 2017 state title with a 13-4 win over Messalonskee.
“Going back (to the state final) feels amazing. Honestly, it’s been a goal of ours since the beginning of the season and getting back there has never felt more successful and peaceful, honestly, it’s a good feeling,” said Drain.
Massabesic earned the trip to the finals by beating a Kennebunk squad that handed the Mustangs their only loss of the season in late May.
Both Kennebunk-Massabesic showdowns were arguably the most anticipated matchups of the entire lacrosse season, but the Mustangs know that is all in the past and Falmouth is standing in their way for another state title.
“Kennebunk was definitely a big game, but once you show up to Fitzpatrick Stadium and the signs are up, green and white everywhere and everybody gets so excited, the music’s going and I mean this is what we do,” said senior Logan Champlin.
“Falmouth is a really good team, just like Kennebunk. I don’t think we’re going to lose that feeling of being hyped up because Falmouth is a very good team,” added Drain.
Bowen and his longtime assistant coach, Jason Tremblay, know they will have to have the Mustangs prepared for today’s showdown with Falmouth.
“Falmouth is a great team. We went and watched them Wednesday night … outstanding ball-handling capability, good vision on the field and they have systems in place offensively and defensively that they have faith in — it’s going to be a battle,” Bowen said.
The Mustangs are expecting a lot of support from their Massabesic family when they hit the field in Portland.
“We definitely have a strong group of supporters that come every year and fill most of the stadium,” Champlin said. “It’s just nice to have everybody … you talk to everybody and they’re like, ‘are you ready for the game? We’ll be there.’”
No matter what happens this afternoon at Fitzpatrick Stadium, this group of Massabesic athletes will leave a lasting legacy — both of winning championships and doing things the right way.
“I think what (they’ll be remembered for) is that work ethic,” said Bowen, who also pointed to this group’s positive mindset. “(Knowing to) enjoy where you’re at at that moment, don’t get too far out in front of yourself, take it one game at a time, enjoy the journey and don’t worry about the end result.”
These Mustangs want to be an example for future Massabesic athletes.
“I think the legacy we are leaving behind is just the heart of the game. Being there for your team and having the determination to always get back to the same place you got to (before),” said Drain.
“Just because we’re from Waterboro doesn’t mean we’re not capable of winning things,” added Champlin.
— Sports Editor Pat McDonald can be reached at pmcdonald@journaltribune.com or at 282-1535 ext. 322. Follow the Journal Tribune Sports Department on Twitter @JournalTsports.