Lacrosse Coverage, presented by Kristen Donahue:
From Contender to Standard: Westwood Sets Its Sights on 2026

March 31 2026
 
A program built on consistency. A roster filled with experience. A team ready to take the next step.
 
After a Final Four run in 2025, the Wolverines return with leadership, depth, and a belief that they can compete with anyone. From a dominant defensive unit to one of the most dynamic midfields in the state, Westwood enters 2026 with high expectations and unfinished business.
 
Westwood Boys Lacrosse enters the 2026 season with momentum, experience, and a growing belief that this group has the potential to be one of the program’s most complete teams to date. After a breakthrough postseason run a year ago, the Wolverines are no longer chasing respect — they’ve earned it. Now, the focus shifts to building on that foundation and taking the next step.
 
At the center of the program is Head Coach Todd Zahurak, who begins his 17th season leading Westwood. Zahurak has steadily built the program into a perennial contender, rooted in discipline, development, and a deep connection to the Westwood community. His impact was recognized last season when he was named Division 2 Coach of the Year by the Boston Globe — a reflection of years of work that have turned Westwood into one of the most respected programs in the state.
 
That recognition came on the heels of a 2025 season that put Westwood squarely on the map – not just for Division 2 but for the State. The Wolverines finished 16–5 and entered the MIAA Tournament as the #10 seed, but quickly proved they were far more dangerous than their ranking suggested. A statement win over the defending state champion and #2 seed highlighted a run that carried Westwood all the way to the Final Four. Their season ultimately came to an end in a 9–8 battle against Reading, but the message was clear — Westwood could compete with anyone.
 
That experience now serves as the foundation for 2026. Zahurak returns a core group of players who have already played in high-pressure games, giving the Wolverines both confidence and maturity heading into the season. It’s a group that understands what it takes to win in May and June — and how small the margin can be at that level.
 
Leadership will be a defining strength for this team. Senior captains Liam Williams, Ryan Williams, Sam Cochran, and Jaden Pollack bring a steady presence that reflects the identity of the program. They are not overly vocal leaders, but instead lead through consistency, preparation, and experience. Having been through deep postseason runs, they set the standard for the rest of the roster.
 
Defensively, Westwood enters the season with one of its most reliable and experienced units. In net, senior Jaden Pollack has developed into one of the top goalies in the league, combining confidence with strong communication and the ability to spark transition offense with his outlet passing. Junior Jack Corrigan provides valuable depth behind him.
 
In front of them, Ryan Williams anchors the defense as one of the top defenders in the state. A physical presence with a high lacrosse IQ, Williams is comfortable matching up against the best offensive players and limiting their impact. What separates him is his ability to turn defense into offense — creating clean breakouts and pushing transition after caused turnovers, giving Westwood an added dimension from the back line.
 
He is joined by a strong and developing group that continues to take strides. Ryan Owens emerged as a key contributor as last season progressed, earning valuable minutes in the biggest games down the stretch. His growth and confidence make him an important piece of this year’s defensive unit. J.D. Moreshal, who saw time as a freshman, showed significant development and brings a well-rounded skillset to the back line, positioning him to take on a larger role this season. Declan Murphy adds versatility to the group, giving the Wolverines flexibility in different defensive looks. Senior Mike Zafiropoulos provides additional depth on defense, bringing physicality to the unit.
 
If there is a position group that defines Westwood’s ceiling, it may be the midfield. This is a deep and talented unit capable of impacting the game in a variety of ways.
 
Liam Williams is one of the most dangerous players in the state, combining unmatched speed with the ability to shoot 90+ mph with both his right and left hand. His versatility and explosiveness make him a constant threat and a matchup problem for any opponent.
 
Will Sesselman is an exceptional talent who brings both size and skill to the midfield. One of the most difficult players to defend in the TVL, he can score from anywhere on the field and is primed for a massive season.
 
Greg Walsh has been playing big minutes since his freshman year and has developed a reputation for delivering in key moments. He has a knack for scoring big goals in big games and plays with an edge — every bit as talented as he is scrappy. Walsh is not afraid to mix it up on the defensive end and will be a key factor in generating turnovers.
 
CJ Hancock returns after earning TVL Honorable Mention honors as a sophomore and is pound-for-pound one of the top long stick midfielders in the league and state. He brings consistency and stability to the unit, and when he’s not surgically creating turnovers and winning ground balls, he is pushing transition with vision, speed, and impressive stick skills for a long pole.
 
Beyond the top contributors, Westwood’s depth at midfield stands out. Sebi O’Brien joins the varsity group after a successful JV season and brings a lot of upside. The younger brother of Westwood standouts Ben and Max O’Brien, Seb looks poised to continue the family tradition while carving out his own role. Senior Trevor Ferreira is next in the rotation, bringing incredible versatility as one of the top soccer players in the state — his athleticism, endurance, and field awareness translate naturally and make him a valuable asset in the midfield. Connor Blaney will be a trusted spark in the rotation who has proven he can score goals with any type of stick in his hand. Caleb Fengler, Gianni Martucci, and Mike Murphy provide additional depth and flexibility throughout the rotation. Senior Alexe Ligouris will also add depth to the midfield.
 
Senior Giorgio Saghbini also factors into the midfield as a depth piece, bringing valuable experience and leadership to the group. He contributed offensively last season and adds another steady presence that helps round out a deep unit.
 
At the faceoff X, junior Brett Baima has stepped into the role as Westwood’s primary specialist and is already making an impact, highlighted by a strong performance in the season opener against Dedham. Baima has put in a tremendous amount of work over the years, and it is clearly showing as he continues to develop into a key piece for controlling possession.
 
Offensively, Westwood features a balanced and dangerous attack unit that should continue to develop as the season unfolds. Sam Cochran, an elite goal scorer leads the group as a four-year varsity player who has been a major contributor to Westwood’s success throughout his career. He’s delivered in the biggest games, including recording a hat trick in the upset win over Longmeadow, and will once again be relied upon as a primary scoring option. Will Stuehler is another proven presence up front, coming off a highly productive season. A fearless player who attacks the net with confidence, Stuehler combines scoring ability with exceptional vision as a passer, consistently making the right play. He remains one of the most underrated players in the TVL and the state, with a very high upside. Will Dempsey brings size and physicality, while Alex Pena adds experience and depth. Lochlan Hayes is also expected to contribute after making the jump from JV. Together, the unit has the pieces to be both efficient and difficult to defend.
 
Behind the scenes, the strength of the program is further reflected in its coaching staff — a group that Coach Zahurak could not speak more highly of and one he views as essential to the program’s success.
 
Jim Riley, now in his third season, serves as the defensive coordinator and is widely regarded as the architect behind the Wolverines’ defensive identity. Coming from West Point, Riley brings both high-level experience and a disciplined approach, and the program is grateful not only for his impact on the field but also for his service to the country. He is now raising his young family in Westwood and is actively involved in the girls youth program. Under his guidance, Westwood has delivered some of its strongest defensive performances, consistently putting players in positions to succeed.
 
Owen Hart, a Westwood and Westwood lacrosse alumnus, returned to the program six years ago and is now in his third year as the JV head coach. Hart plays a key role in developing players and maintaining the program’s culture, while also contributing on game days by managing the box and helping oversee varsity operations.
 
Matt Stuehler is in his second season with the program and focuses heavily on player development, particularly at the JV level. A product of the Westwood Youth program, Stuehler brings energy, positivity, and relatability to the team, serving as a strong role model for younger players. On game days, he also embraces his role as a parent, supporting from the sideline.
 
As the 2026 season begins, the expectations are clear. Westwood has the experience, leadership, and depth to make another deep postseason run. The challenge now is continuing to grow throughout the season and putting all the pieces together at the right time.
 
In addition to navigating a competitive TVL schedule and chasing a TVL Large title, the Wolverines have key non-league matchups against Needham, Nauset, and Walpole on the schedule. Those games will serve as important measuring sticks and test Westwood early and often as they prepare for what they hope will be another run in June.
 
The potential is there. Now it’s about the process — and how far this group can take it.