Hopkinton High School lacrosse player Theo Muzzy carries the ball during an early-season game. PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

The Hopkinton High School boys lacrosse team will compete in Division 1 this spring if it extends its run of state tournament appearances, so coach Dan Norton wanted to give his squad an early-season test against a D1 foe. The Hillers responded with seven goal scorers in a 9-6 win over Wellesley, and Norton is hoping it is a positive sign as the season progresses.

“We have the goals of getting better every day but also being in a position to win the Tri-Valley League Large Division and qualify for the tournament this year after moving up,” he said. “We want to keep that trend going and try to go deep into the playoffs.”

Much of Hopkinton’s schedule this year looks the same as seasons past, since the Hillers still are competing in the TVL. That schedule includes top-caliber competition like Dover-Sherborn, Medfield and Westwood. But the win over Wellesley provided a confidence boost, Norton said.

“It was nice to show that we can compete at that level,” he said.

Leading the way for Hopkinton are senior captain Chase O’Donnell and junior captain Connor Merkle, the latter of whom has dealt with injuries early in the year.

“Chase has done a great job leading a large group of juniors,” Norton said. “He has shouldered the load offensively and in terms of leadership.”

Junior Nate Spinale is another standout. Through late April, the goalkeeper was stopping more than 60% of shots on net, an outstanding percentage.

“He has been communicating well and seeing the ball very well,” his coach said.

Theo Muzzy is a skilled defender who often is tasked with stopping the other team’s top attacker. Thano Grontzos also has been a key part of the defensive corps as a long-stick midfielder.

The top goal scorer early in the season was junior Matt Lotti. He earned TVL All-Star recognition a year ago as a sophomore, and Norton said the team is expecting him to maintain his high level of play. Ryan Dacey, Jimmy Sanda, CJ Taylor and Will Iantosca are key contributors on what is a deep roster.

“The new brand of Hopkinton lacrosse is being much more balanced,” Norton said. “I think we showed that in the Wellesley game against a really good opponent.”

Norton said there is little question that his team is very talented, but success later in the season will come down to execution and doing the “little things” well.

“I think this group is very coachable, and we are starting to come together at the right time,” he said. “I think we will compete, and I am excited to see where we end up.”