Biddeford sophomore Nick McSorley fires a shot low toward Noble’s cage during a boys’ lacrosse game at Waterhouse Field on Wednesday. McSorley scored five goals to help lead the Tigers over the Knights 14-10. (MAUREEN GRANDMAISON PHOTOGRAPHY)

BIDDEFORD – With two games remaining on its regular season schedule, the Biddeford Tigers boys’ lacrosse team needed a win Wednesday against the Noble Knights to stay in contention for a playoff spot in the Class B bracket.

 Biddeford sophomore Nick McSorley scored five goals in the first half and the Tigers withstood a Noble rally to hold on for a 14-10 victory at Waterhouse Field.

“We’re fighting,” said Biddeford coach Jason Martel. “It was a big deal for these guys (to take an early lead) because it’s all about confidence. These guys know how to come back … But we also learned something: That we’ve got to be able to maintain the lead.”

Biddeford senior Colin Petit breaks through the Noble defense during Wednesday’s boys’ lacrosse game at Waterhouse Field. (MAUREEN GRANDMAISON PHOTOGRAPHY)

Biddeford (5-6), who was playing its third straight game against Class A program, grabbed an early lead over Noble (1-10) on a Kaigan Munch goal just over a minute into the first quarter. McSorley added a pair at the 6:57 and 5:12 mark of the quarter and senior Colin Petit made it 4-0 in favor of the Tigers heading into the second.

Biddeford entered Wednesday’s game as the No. 9 seed, but a postseason bid isn’t a sure thing just yet. And the Tigers difficult schedule – losses at Thornton Academy (10-1), Portland (10-1), Windham (10-1) and Bonny Eagle (9-1) just this month – hasn’t done the black and orange any favors. One aspect of playing such high-quality opponents on a nightly basis, Jason Martel said, is that the Tigers have learned how to play from behind. So taking an early edge against Noble was a good opportunity for Biddeford to learn a few

“You learn quite a bit about having to slow the ball down (and) not make everything a fastbreak all the time … you can give yourself a breather,” Jason Martel said. 

Noble got on the board with 10:26 remaining in the second but a trio of Biddeford goals, one by Munch and two from McSorley, pushed the margin to 8-1. But the Knights never backed down. Senior Nolan Winston scored an unassisted goal with just under seven minutes until the half and sophomore Jake Costello put two more into the back of the net 30 seconds apart from each other. A seven-goal advantage became an 8-4 contest.

“They don’t quit,” said Noble coach Beau Lambert. “I’m proud of them …They will fight until the end.”

Beau Lambert referred to the players on his roster as “diesel” trucks and that sometimes it takes a little bit for them to get their confidence going. But, as games progress, they often realize they can compete.

After taking a 10-5 lead into the locker room, Biddeford slowed down the tempo in the second half. The Tigers scored three goals – one by senior Matthew Martel and two by Petit – in the third. Noble junior Parker St. Pierre scored the Knights only goal of the quarter.

Noble outscored Biddeford 4-1 in the final 12 minutes to make the game interesting down the stretch. Costello scored twice in the quarter while junior Levi Lambert and St. Pierre added one each.

“I got to give it to Noble,” Jason Martel said. “In the second half they just never gave up. Their coach kept them in that, and I respect that.”

McSorley and Costello tied for a game-high five goals. Munch and Petit both had three scores and Matthew Martel netted a pair. Biddeford outshot Noble 35-28 and held a 17-16 edge on ground balls.

 Noble finishes its season Friday at home against Portland. Biddeford hosts Marshwood Friday.

“A win is always a positive,” Jason Martel said. “We’ve got a tough one Friday. I can’t even wait.”