Lacrosse Preview 04-14-2022

2022 HIGH SCHOOL S P O RT S P R E V I E W April 14, 2022

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2022 HERALD High School Lacrosse Preview

TEAM INDEX Baldwin Bruins .............................6 Calhoun Colts ............................ 8 Carey Seahawks ........................ 10 Clarke Rams .............................. 14 East Meadow Jets...................... 16 Elmont Spartans ....................... 18 Freeport Red Devils ....................20 Hewlett Bulldogs ....................... 22 Kennedy Cougars ...................... 24 Lawrence Golden Tornadoes ...... 26 Long Beach Marines .................. 28 Lynbrook Owls ........................... 30 MacArthur Generals................... 31 Malv/East Rock Rockin’ Mules... 32 Mepham Pirates ........................ 34 Oceanside Sailors ..................... 36 Seaford Vikings ......................... 38 Sewanhaka Indians ................... 40 South Side Cyclones ................. 42 Valley Stream District ................ 44 Wantagh Warriors ...................... 46 West Hempstead Rams ............. 47

Matt Papach, MacArthur High School Photo by Ron Manfredi

Lacrosse Preview

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April 14, 2022 — 5

2022 HERALD High School Lacrosse Preview

BALDWIN Bruins hope to build off success

By TONY BELLISSIMO

B

aldwin boys’ lacrosse program made the most of a return-to-play season last spring, posting an 8-5 record at the varsity level while fielding a competitive JV squad.

“It was really like starting from scratch,” coach Tim Clancy said of hitting the restart button after Covid forced the cancellation of the 2020 campaign. “There were a lot of challenges the kids were able to overcome such as rusty stick skills and not being on the field together for a long time,” he added. “We walked off feeling like we had success and we’ll see what we can do with a pretty similar schedule.”

Clancy said the Bruins’ offense was ahead of the defense’s pace in camp, simply because of the experience factor. Baldwin does return starting goaltender Elijah Bell, a senior captain who earned All-Conference honors a year ago. “Elijah is the

heart and soul of our defense and has worked so hard to improve his skills over the years,” Clancy said.

The unit in front of Bell is led by senior Xavier Foster, a returning starter and captain who brings solid fundamentals, athleticism and communication skills. Senior Christian Nieves will also

be a defensive fixture.

A healthy portion of the offense will revolve around senior captain Zach Kirchner, a lefty who can put the ball in the back of the net as well as set up teammates.

Last season he had 17 goals and 22 assists. “He has good vision and is very unselfish,” said Clancy, who is also counting on sophomore Brady Mahler to make noise on the scoresheet.

The midfield features senior captain Kevin Wallace and sophomore Tyler McTaggart, who totaled 17 and 14 points, respectively, in 2021. Wallace is a strong two-way workhorse with speed, stamina and scoring touch. Clancy said McTaggart, who is a key on faceoffs, is a threat any time he has the ball in his stick.

Zach Kirchner

Baldwin rebuilds after mass departures After losing more than half (11) of last year’s roster to graduation, Baldwin girls’ lacrosse is undergoing a rebuilding stage.

“We have talent, just not a lot of varsity experience,” coach Rebecca LaFlare said. “The biggest thing is we play a zone defense and that takes time getting used to. Everyone needs to communicate and be in the flow of the game with everyone around them, so that’s where we’re going to see some growing pains with a mostly new group.”

Last season was a combination of close defeats and a laundry list of injuries, LaFlare said. This year the Lady Bruins (6-5 in 2021) are part of Conference IV with Island Trees, Roslyn, Carey, Kennedy, Hicksville, Clarke, Herricks, Jericho, Wheatley and New Hyde Park.

“Once we get some games under our belt, I’ll have a better idea how we’ll stack up,” she said.

Senior captain Toyin Green is an impact player in the midfield and a huge part of Baldwin’s defense, transition game and draw control. “She has great speed and is a non-stop worker,” said LaFlare, who is looking for sophomores Emma Ryan and Jasmine Tiong Smith to make significant midfield contributions after strong JV campaigns.

Green’s contributions in the defensive end will be vital since the unit will take some time to jell.

Senior Lakeisha Juin is a reliable defender with a good amount of experience, the coach noted.

In goal, senior Maia Goveia is a returning starter who has made tremendous progress under the guidance of Kevin McGhee, an assistant under Casey on the boys’ side. “Maia stood out last season and is quick, confident and vocal,” LaFlare explained.

Toyin Green On attack, senior Amanda Antione is quick and skillful. Her crisp passes will often end up on the stick of senior Kirsten Mahler, a tall, aggressive lefty who enjoyed a breakout 2021 with 16 goals.

Conference Schedules April

BOYS

6 8 13 27 30

Great Neck South @ Kennedy Carey @ Calhoun Herricks

5:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

11:00 a.m.

3 6 11 14 17

New Hyde Park @ Baldwin @ Great Neck North @ Glen Cove @ Elmont

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

4:30 p.m.

May

March

GIRLS

28 28

Island Trees @ Roslyn

5:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4 7 13 25 28

@ Carey @ Kennedy Hicksville @ Clarke Herricks

5:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

2 5 7

@ Jericho Wheatley New Hyde Park

April

May

5:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

2:30 p.m.

Photos by Neil Miller

6 — April 14, 2022

HIGH SCHOOL LACROSSE PREVIEW

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April 14, 2022 — 7

2022 HERALD High School Lacrosse Preview

CALHOUN Colts aim for county finals

By GARRETT D. URIBE

T

he Calhoun boys’ lacrosse team took matters into its hands this offseason.

Feeling a breakthrough had come within reach, Colts players petitioned coach Jim Femminella for extra team workouts through summer, fall and winter. The 11thyear skipper – whose club finished fourth at 6-7 in Nassau Conference B last spring and lost a 12-9 shootout to rival South Side in the Class A quarterfinals – happily obliged.

“Since our playoff loss, we

Alex Vieni

8 — April 14, 2022

haven’t stopped training,” said Femminella, whose team resumes Conference B action. “Basically, we had all first-year players last season, who couldn’t get together last offseason. They wanted to work. They feel they can be special this year. And I agree.”

The Colts, and their coach, may be on to something. Calhoun had the league’s second-leading offense, averaging 11.2 goals per game, paced by All-County attackman Alex Vieni’s 28 goals and 18 assists. “Alex is our offensive leader,” Femminella said. “We expect big things from him again.”

Senior Jonathan Lewis and junior teammate Peter Thomann got All-County nods at midfield. Lewis was fourth in Nassau winning 65 draws, while long pole Thomann led the county with 17 caused turnovers, and was third in Nassau with 50 ground balls. “Jonathan’s great facing off, and just a great player,” Femminella said. “Peter’s able to take the ball away from his opponent.”

Defensively Calhoun returns its entire starting unit – save for one rather key piece. Junior Sahrdul Singh, a backup last spring, and sophomore newcomer Mark Restivo will vie to start at goalkeeper – the edge in camp going to Singh, who started between the pipes last postseason. Junior Matt Araneo and seniors Joe Sorok and Anthony Cunha will resume starting duties on Calhoun’s back line.

“We’re looking to be aggressive,” Femminella said. “We feel we can be in the county finals, which Calhoun hasn’t done since 1986.”

Tougher tests on tap for Calhoun The Colts basked in the stunning glow of a black-swan breakout last season – bursting from a multi-year sub-.500 funk to claim the Conference 3 crown at 13-1

(14-2 overall), as the league’s best offense carried Calhoun to the Class B semifinals, where the Colts finally fell to eventual Long Island Class B Champion Garden City.

In one sense the Colts may have burned too brightly – not as a one-and-done supernova, but because they wound up playing themselves into the super-stacked Conference 2 this spring. Senior scoring leader Maggie Araneo (56 points) – who had three five-goal games and a trio of hat tricks in earning All-County honors last season – returns to start a fifth year at attack as Calhoun brings its act to the next level.

“The challenge now is staying grounded, keeping our sights on success in the playoffs,” said fourth-year coach Melissa Rohr.

“Last year we won almost every game, some by blowouts. We know this year we won’t have that; we’ll be playing very talented teams. But that’s exactly where we want to be, in more competitive, higher-level games.”

Senior Olivia Correa – second on Calhoun with 39 points – and fellow All-Conference selection Sofia Mescolotto (junior, 34 points) round out Calhoun’s attack. An aggressive, athletic lefty, Correa lends Calhoun’s firepower symmetry, and will bounce between attack and midfield, as will Mescolotto, while sophomore Shannon Lewis (33 points) is a rising and potent fourth scorer.

At the back end, All-Conference senior Olivia Perrone heads a mostly new Colts defense, with senior goalkeeper Emma Guzowski attaining starter status after backing up All-County goalie Lauren Boldis (Scranton University, PA) for three seasons, and senior defender Isabella Cespedes set to start a first year on varsity.

“We ‘ll have new faces,” Rohr said. “But it’s a cohesive group.

We’re focusing on playing for May, and getting ready for a playoff run.”

HIGH SCHOOL LACROSSE PREVIEW

Maggie Araneo

Conference Schedules March

BOYS

31

Garden City

4:45 p.m.

13 27

@ Mepham Baldwin

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4 6 11 14 17

@ Herricks Carey @ MacArthur @ Roslyn Long Beach

April May

March

5:00 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

11:00 a.m.

4:45 p.m.

GIRLS

26 30

Farmingdale Carle Place

1 6 11 25 30

@ Oceanside Seaford @ Bethpage @ Port Washington Lynbrook

4 9

@ Locust Valley 4:30 p.m. @ Friends Academy 5:00 p.m.

April

May

10:00 a.m.

5:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

1:00 p.m.

Photos by Ron Manfredi

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April 14, 2022 — 9

2022 HERALD High School Lacrosse Preview

CAREY Seahawks fresh off finals trip

By GARRETT D. URIBE

T

he Seahawks’ 2021 season will be a hard act to follow.

Having gone a combined 10-23 its two previous seasons in Nassau Conference B1 boys’ lacrosse, Carey – which finished 8-5 in B1, 9-6 overall – mounted a late-season 6-1 push to reach the Class B title game last spring, the dark-horse Seahawks finally falling 11-8 to eventual Long Island Class B champion Garden City.

With league scoring leader Jimmy O’Connell now wielding his crosse at Boston University, fellow All-County attackman Dean Meztger – 10th in Nassau with 21 assists – steps to the fore of Carey’s offense as the Seahawks attempt an encore in B1. Fellow senior Kyle Lewis, an Honorable Mention All-County selection, joins Metzger in heading Carey’s attack – which, powered chiefly by O’Connell and Metzger, produced B1’s second-highest goal total.

“Those two guys (Metzger and Lewis) will get lots of attention from defenders,” said coach Tom Aiello, now in his 22nd season at Carey. “Dean’s one of the top guys in the county. Kyle’s athleticism is off the charts. But they’ll have to be able to work together to get opportunities,” Senior midfielder Ray Bedeian is tapped to facilitate said opportunities as Carey’s faceoff specialist.

Bedeian – sidelined by injury last season – returns from a two-year absence to the Seahawks’ s starting lineup, having started as a freshman in 2019 before COVID forced spring sports cancellation in 2020, while senior Jaden McLeod, a proven close defender, makes his starting debut for Carey.

In the cage Carey’s immediate, 10 — April 14, 2022

and not inconsiderable, task is to replace its graduated goalkeeping tandem of Anthony Lucsczynski (.700 save percentage) and Matt Mantone (.680). Dean’s freshman brother Rich Metzger and junior Gianluca Magliaro – both first-year varsity members – will platoon in goal for Carey at the outset.

“We’re a little inexperienced,” Aiello said. “But, like always, we’ll have to play tough and get better as the year goes on.”

ic-caused spring sports hiatus, took effect only last season, when All-County 2019 junior standouts like Kelly-Ann McGrath (No. 2 in Nassau with 114 points) and Vanessa Tortorella (second in Nassau with a .560 save percentage) had long since left the Seahawks and matriculated into college.

Goalkeeper Grace Carrizo was valiant posting 103 saves last Carey returns to season in earning All-Conference ideal conference honors. The senior goalie returns Discontinuity doomed the as Carey regroups and attempts to Seahawks in Conference 3 girls’ capitalize on its fresh reassignment lacrosse last spring, when Carey to more amenable Conference 4.

(1-11) narrowly avoided a season “We’ve dropped a conference shutout by outlasting Oyster Bay and hope now to be competitive,” 11-10 in its finale. said coach Steve Savino. “Last year In capturing 2019’s Conferwe were basically seeded wrongly, ence 4 crown, Carey earned an based on two years prior. We’d had automatic league promotion for 2020 – which, due to the pandem- some excellent players and were in a lower conference. This year we’re going back fundamentals.”

A defensive starter last season, Natalia Dominguez switches to Carey’s first-string attack, joining fellow second year-starting

Faith Anderson Savino said. “She’s very good on the draw for us, too. Ava sees the field well and can dish the ball and feed other players.”

Added Savino: “The girls have worked very hard. We’re really emphasizing skills, and just looking to improve every day.”

Conference Schedules April

BOYS

7 13 23 27

Roslyn @ Baldwin Herricks Glen Cove

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

11:00 a.m.

5:00 p.m.

3 6 11 14 17

Garden City @ Calhoun @ Long Beach @ MacArthur Mepham

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

May

Dean Metzger

senior Victoria Dallas (12 goals, two assists).

“Natalia’s got good stick skills,” Savino said. “She handles the ball well, both right and left. Victoria’s very strong, with a very good move to the crease. She shoots very, very hard.”

Junior Faith Anderson is a second-year starter at midfield for Carey, while Seahawks senior Ava Pelzer starts her first season at middie. “Faith is a great transition player,”

HIGH SCHOOL LACROSSE PREVIEW

March

GIRLS

31

@ New Hyde Park

4 9 11 20 25 28

Baldwin @ Hicksville Roslyn @ Island Trees @ Herricks Kennedy

5:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

4:45 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

2 5 7

@ Wheatley Clarke Jericho

6:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

11:00 a.m.

April

May

4:45 p.m.

Photos by Donovan Berthoud

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April 14, 2022 — 13

2022 HERALD High School Lacrosse Preview

CLARKE Rams pumped for new turf field

By TONY BELLISSIMO

T

hough numbers remain a concern in Clarke’s program, there’s plenty of excitement this spring with a solid core returning and the debut of its new turf field.

“We played a few seasons on the turf at the Boces field but this is a big difference,” Rams coach Joe Hasbrouck said. “It’s a beautiful field and gives the kids an extra spring in their step.

“It’s the fourth year in a row we’ll be without a JV, so that’s a challenge,” he added.

“We only have 16 kids in the program but they’re working hard and we’re just looking to get better every day.”

The Rams won 4 of 11 games last spring and bring back a fair share of starters, led by senior midfielder Will Fulay. Coming off a 5-goal campaign, he’s considered by Hasbrouck to be their top offensive talent and best short-stick defender. Fulay will also handle the large majority of faceoffs. “Will is physically strong and aggressive and does everything asked of him,” the coach noted.

Juniors Gabe Cobham and Aidan Peters, as well as sophomore Lucas Barsuaskas are other keys to the midfield and attack. Cobham, who finished strong last season and totaled 9 goals and 5 assists, brings a lefty shot and a quick release. Peters bulked up during the offseason after missing almost all of last year due to injury. Barsuaskas isn’t afraid to get involved in every situation, Hasbrouck said, and covers a lot of ground.

On the defensive end, seniors Colin Martinez and Tyler Benowitz serve as the anchors in front of junior goaltender Joe Buffolino.

“Joe played all summer and is 14 — April 14, 2022

quick in the cage and has stepped up vocally,” said Hasbrouck, who noted juniors Justin Somyak, Anthony Sforza and Nick Iannucci will all contribute as defensive-minded midfielders.

The Rams are part of a growing Nassau Class C. “We have a tough schedule but there are winnable games,” Hasbrouck said.

Will Fulay

Clarke relying on versatile lineup Versatility throughout the lineup and leadership from its five captains will be the biggest strengths for Clarke’s girls, who will look to improve upon a 1-win season last spring against the same group of conference rivals.

“It was great to beat Hicksville last year and we’ll see how we can do against the same opponents who beat us,” coach Rick Aragona said. “It’s nice to look out from the school and see the new field. Many of the girls on our team had a soccer season on it already and it’ll be nice for those who haven’t competed on it.”

One of the senior captains, Taylor Merget, is as versatile as anyone on the roster and will play wherever she’s needed most, Aragona said. “Taylor is a steady player who will do anything to help the team,” he said. “She’s had some big moments and she’s someone the other girls look up to and listen to.”

Gianna Smith, another captain, is a returning defender with varsity experience and will play an important role in a zone breaking in first-year varsity players Sophia Cano and Savannah Eduque, both juniors, as well as a new goaltender. The trio will lead the effort in front of senior goalie and captain Andrea Papacostas, who served as the JV starter last spring and brings solid stick skills, Aragona said.

Ariana Nazario and Olivia Mogavero are additional senior captains who’ve been part of the program for many years and bring a strong work ethic. Aragona is also hopeful junior Kaitlyn Vo, a soccer standout, and junior Alexa Hildenbrand, who’s aggressive with the ball and brings good field vision, can contribute.

“Practices are going very

HIGH SCHOOL LACROSSE PREVIEW

Taylor Merget

smooth,” said Aragona, whose squad will tangle with Herricks, Jericho, Wheatley, Roslyn, New Hyde Park, Baldwin, Island Trees, Hicksville, Carey and Kennedy in Conference IV.

Conference Schedules April

BOYS

6 8 12 23 26 29

@ Division @ West Hempstead Lawrence @ Malv/East Rock @ Locust Valley @ Floral Park

4 6 10 18

Friends Academy Wheatley Island Trees Oyster Bay

May

March

4:45 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

GIRLS

31

Herricks

4 5 9 13 25 28

Jericho @ Wheatley Roslyn @ New Hyde Park Baldwin @ Island Trees

2 5 7

Hicksville @ Carey @ Kennedy

April

May

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

1:00 p.m.

Photos by Neil Miller

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

2022 HERALD High School Lacrosse Preview

CLASS A

• East Meadow • Farmingdale • Freeport • Hempstead • Hicksville • Massapequa • Oceanside • Plainview • Port Washington • Syosset • Uniondale • Valley Stream District

CLASS D

• Carle Place • Cold Spring Harbor • Oyster Bay • West Hempstead • Wheatley

2022 NASSAU COUNTY LACROSSE

CLASS B

• Baldwin • Calhoun • Carey • Elmont • Garden City • Glen Cove • Great Neck North • Great Neck South • Herricks • Jericho • Kennedy • Long Beach • MacArthur • Mepham • New Hyde Park • Roslyn • Sewanhaka

A.J. Barone, Seaford High School Photo by Ron Manfredi

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• Bethpage • Clarke • Division • Floral Park • Friends Academy • Hewlett • Island Trees • Lawrence • Locust Valley • Lynbrook • Malverne/East Rock • Manhasset • Mineola • North Shore • Plainedge • Roosevelt • Seaford • South Side • Wantagh

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HIGH SCHOOL LACROSSE PREVIEW

April 14, 2022 — 15

2022 HERALD High School Lacrosse Preview

EAST MEADOW Two new pilots for Jets

By BRIAN KACHARABA

men who are stepping up and we hope to have everybody healthy,” Susko said. “Spinola and Surless are going to run the offense. That’s new era for both East our meat and potatoes right there Meadow lacrosse teams has and hopefully we will just keep begun. getting better every day.”

Assistant coach and lacrosse Susko is also high on junior lifer Tom Susko takes over the helm Fernando Flores, who starred on JV for the boys’ team in place of Steve last season.

D’Argenio, who is now an assistant Senior middie Sal D’Amico at SUNY Purchase. Susko will be is strong on faceoffs and defense tasked to turn around a team that and is one of the better ground struggled to a 2-10 mark in 2021 ball players. He will form a tandem because of injuries, illnesses, and with Brandon Kebreau and versainexperience. tile junior Mark Reyes.

“We tell the boys every day is To help a defense that alyou’ve got to work hard, do your lowed almost 13 goals a game, job, and hopefully everything else senior Kyle Nacionales was moved will fall into place,” Susko said. “A from attack to the long pole on lot of them are working hard. All the back end and will join a group winter, they came down on their that also includes Jack Egan, Nick own time and hit the wall and we Spinato and Nicholas Longardino. did all stickwork trying to get them Senior Eddie Michels takes over in to get better.” goal.

The Jets scored just 63 goals in 12 games last year and 43 of East Meadow those tallies came from graduating seniors. Seniors Patrick Spinola (14 seeks elusive win goals), Brian Surless and Brendan The girls’ team will also have Doheny (3 apiece) are the only re- a new coach that is familiar in the turnees that found the back of the district in Nicolette Tortorici, who net last season and are expected also took over the girls’ soccer to be the main sources of offense team last fall. Tortorici is a former this spring. standout lacrosse player at Deer “We have a few young Park who also starred

A

Pat Spinola

on the nationally ranked SUNY Cortland team five years ago.

Tortorici inherits a team that has lost 18 straight games dating to 2019 – including an 0-14 mark in 2021 – as well as last season’s top two scorers and starting goalie to graduation. But she said the current squad is embracing the nurturing and tough love approach she and her coaching staff displayed so far.

“They know how serious I am and how cutthroat I am,” she said.

“During tryouts, we ran them to the ground with testing and stuff like that. I think they’re excited because they’re finally really being taken seriously. I think the coaches in the past didn’t have too much lacrosse experience.”

Senior Lindsay Solenski (29 goals, 5 assists) and junior Isabella Pota (25-10) lead a strong midfield corps and senior attack Gina Giambald (10-3) is expected to provide even more scoring. They are expected to lead the Jets again.

“Lindsay reads the field so well,” Tortorici said. “Gina is super, super fast [and] reads the plays really well. She’s a lefty on our attack, so she’s going to be a huge threat down low and Bella is super aggressive and she has a great reading of the game.”

Junior Kelly Stump and sophomore Alexis Chew are expected to get more playing time this season and could also be vital parts of the offense.

The defense allowed over 15 goals a game last season and Tortorici is hoping seniors Cassandra Stump, Ashlee Sjoholm, Paige Gewirtz, Nikki Turissi and junior Ava Lanza can help lower that number. Sophomore Dynasty Ramos, who played on the football team last fall, is the new goalie.

Lindsay Solenski

Conference Schedules BOYS

April 14 27 30

Farmingdale Uniondale @ Plainview

4 6 11 14 19

@ Valley Stream Oceanside Syosset @ Freeport @ Hempstead

May

5:00 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

2:00 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

4:45 p.m.

GIRLS March 30

Plainview

4:45 p.m.

1 5 8 12 27

@ Oyster Bay MacArthur @ Mineola Hewlett @ Floral Park

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

5:15 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

2 6

Division @ Mepham

5:00 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

April

May

Photos by Donovan Berthoud

16 — April 14, 2022

HIGH SCHOOL LACROSSE PREVIEW

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April 14, 2022 — 17

2022 HERALD High School Lacrosse Preview

ELMONT Spartans playing a numbers game

By JAMIE DEJONG

T

he Elmont boys’ lacrosse team is attempting to establish a new tradition of Spartans lacrosse, but the main buffer in this grandiose plan has been simply getting the resources necessary to compete at a high level.

“COVID has absolutely decimated our program,” coach Justin Casano said. “With all the people graduating three-fourths of our team is going to be these kids first time playing.”

Considering the general inexperience of the roster, there are not many players who are guaranteed to be stars, but there are a few projected bright spots. One of which is senior Kymani McDonald, who should be huge difference maker on draws.

“Kymani is our faceoff guy,” Casano said. “He’s a three-sport athlete. He has potential to play college lacrosse.”

Juniors Aaron Michel and Alex Williams should also be strong assets for the Spartans midfield. Sophomore Samuel Simon heads the defense.

The main goal for this season is to develop those that should be in the program for a long time, as it would be difficult to implement years of learning into one season.

“The whole defense is kids brand new to playing besides one player,” Casano said. “The goalie is a freshman who hasn’t played. The plan is to get these kids experience and hopefully in two years we can compete.”

Not everything is gloomy for the state of the program, as there has been significant progress in implementing a youth league, which should make this inexperience of the roster a one-time occurrence.

“I finally got the PAL going which is nice to get 5th and 6th grade going in the community which has been an uphill battle,” Casano said. “It has been an insane uphill battle for the past 11 years that I’ve been here. Us and Sewanhaka are the only two teams in the district that don’t have one.”

If any 5th and 6th graders are interested in playing, they should email Kenneth.brown@ nassaucountypal.org.

Elmont displays positive vibe Spirits are certainly high within the Elmont girls’ lacrosse program.

Considering the strenuous game conditions COVID

Kymani McDonald

caused the past two seasons, the Spartans are overlooking the subpar records of previous seasons and are simply happy to get a shot to compete.

“We are so grateful to even have this year,” coach Kemola Webster said. “I feel like the last two years have been incredibly difficult. We’re in a good place right now. The girls are in good spirits.

The energy and dedication are at a very high level.”

One potential predicament is simply the size of the roster.

Considering only 18 girls are present on the roster, it’s going to take a complete team effort to get meaningful results. As coach Webster stated, “We are such a Orobo Obovoh small unit so there’s going to be a lot people helping out.”

Even though it’s going to take a total effort from the first girl to the last to make an impact this year, certain girls have considering we’ve had stood out in the early practices some trying seasons with and the team’s only scrimmage.

COVID.” Senior attackman Orobo Ogbovoh, junior midfielder Anaise Novembre, sophomore attackmen Ivie Ihaza, Conference freshman middie Makayla Noel, Schedules and freshman goalie Saradijjne BOYS Simeon have all thrived in the early April going.

13 Glen Cove 5:00 p.m.

“Those girls are going to be 22 @ Sewanhaka 4:30 p.m. very big for us this year,” Webster 27 Kennedy 4:45 p.m. stated.

May 4 @ Mepham 5:00 p.m.

Considering the sheer 6 @ Great Neck North 5:00 p.m. quantity of the roster and how 11 @ New Hyde Park 5:00 p.m.

14 Great Neck South 10:00 a.m. few upperclassmen the team 17 Baldwin 4:30 p.m. possesses, the main emphasis will be learning the fundamentals and GIRLS the progression of the younger March girls. Considering the morale and 25 @ Roosevelt 5:00 p.m. character of the girls on the roster, 30 @ Elmont 4:30 p.m.

Webster is confident the girls will April respond positively to the chal5 @ Hempstead 4:45 p.m.

8 Valley Stream 4:30 p.m. lenges this year presents.

12 Glen Cove 5:00 p.m.

14 Freeport 4:30 p.m.

“We have a smaller roster 27 @ West Hempstead 5:00 p.m. than we’ve had in a long time May but it’s still a very positive group 2 @ Great Neck South 5:00 p.m. of young ladies,” Webster stated.

4 Great Neck North 5:00 p.m.

6 @ Malv/East Rock 5:00 p.m.

“They’re ready to learn and ready to play which is important Photos by Eric Dunetz

18 — April 14, 2022

HIGH SCHOOL LACROSSE PREVIEW

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April 14, 2022 — 19

2022 HERALD High School Lacrosse Preview

FREEPORT Red Devils looking to surprise

By ANDREW COEN

Mohrman is looking to adopt an aggressive style of defense that can lead to transition opportunities on offense. reeport boys’ lacrosse is “I like to set up unsettled situmotivated to exceed expectations this year in a challeng- ations,” Mohrman said. “We like to pressure and use our speed.” ing league.

Freeport opens the season The Red Devils were picked with six straight non-league games 11th of 12 teams in Conference before hosting Valley Stream A, but with 11 returning players District in its conference opener on 48th-year coach Harry Mohrman sees potential for his team to make April 19. strides this spring with a more normal season on tap. Freeport was Seniors lead limited to just 10 games last spring Freeport’s charge in an abridged season, which After nearly capturing a Mohrman said was hampered by a league title a playoff berth during lack of player development when an abridged 2021 season, the then there was no 2020 schedule due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I think we can be very, very competitive in the league,” Mohrman said. “If you start winning games then the expectations become higher.”

Senior attackman Justin Reinke will be an integral part of Freeport’s offense as a third-year varsity player. Reinke tallied three points in a 17-10 loss to Sewanhaka last year.

Versatile junior Matt Drayton also gives Freeport experience on offense. He scored three goals and tallied one assist in a 10-6 loss to Elmont last year where the Red Devils led 5-4 at halftime.

On defense, Freeport returns senior goalie Javien Drapeau, who Mohman said has shown promise in the offseason to improve on his junior campaign. Junior Isaiah Curtis anchors the close defense.

Mohrman said many positions are up in the air heading into the season. In addition to his key offensive role, Reinke may also take faceoffs Justin Reinke along with senior Damani Arisitlde.

With a number of football players on his roster who have athletic skills and toughness,

F

20 — April 14, 2022

Freeport girls are determined to take that next step this spring, The Red Devils return 12 seniors from last year’s team that finished 10-2 in Conference V. Fourth-year head coach Anabel Lopez, a former Freeport player, has built strides since taking over the program in 2018 after a winless 2017 season and is hoping to return her alma mater to the postseason for the first time in a decade.

“Unfortunately with Conference V if you don’t win the conference that’s it,” said Lopez, who played lacrosse at Freeport from 2004 to 2008. “In Conference V there is no playoffs for second place, only first and that is our goal this year.”

Freeport brings back a veteran defense that held Conference IV foe Bellmore JFK to just two first half goals in a season-opening 5-3 loss on March 23. The close defense features three senior starters in Kayla Stuparich, Sameerah Lawal and Makhenzie Jinks.

Senior goalie Jasmine LaRocca is out early this season due to medical reasons, but should return later in the season after starting last year. Sophomore Madeline Willocks is filling in for LaRocca early in the 2022 campaign and recorded 14 saves in the season-opener against JFK. Lopez graduated some key offensive players, but returns senior midfielder Ancksu Dixon, who posted a team-high 34 goals last season. Junior Isabella Willocks and Cassie Smith are also back after tallying 31 and 19 goals, respectively, last year.

The offensive trio was also a force on the draw control circle.

Dixon led Freeport in draw controls with 51 followed by Smith with 34 and Willocks with 22.

Freeport will compete in Conference V for the league’s top spot against Valley Stream District, Malverne, Great Neck North, Sewanhaka, Elmont and West Hempstead.

HIGH SCHOOL LACROSSE PREVIEW

Cassie Smith

Conference Schedules April

BOYS

19 27 30

Valley Stream Syosset @ Oceanside

10:30 a.m.

5:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

3 6 11 14 19

@ Hempstead @ Plainview @ Hicksville East Meadow Uniondale

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

4:45 p.m.

May

March

GIRLS

25

@ Great Neck South 4:45 p.m.

2 5 8 12 14 26 29

@ Malv/East Rock Great Neck North @ Roosevelt Sewanhaka @ Elmont Hempstead @ Valley Stream

10:00 a.m.

5:00 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

2 6

Glen Cove West Hempstead

4:30 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

April

May

Photos by Donovan Berthoud

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April 14, 2022 — 21

2022 HERALD High School Lacrosse Preview

HEWLETT Bulldogs energized for fresh start

By TONY BELLISSIMO

senior Ryan Player, who switches from midfield, and junior Matteo Preziosi, who’s up from JV. The last line of defense is he Bulldogs are eager to turn the page on last spring when senior goaltender Daniel Reznikov, they failed to taste victory in who is expected to benefit from a 13-game campaign that featured last year’s experience.

“Everyone has to give 100 a couple of one-goal defeats and a percent all of the time for us to be two-goal loss. successful,” Pescitelli said.

“We were young and it was rough and discouraging,” coach Dale Pescitelli said. “Everyone is Hewlett must excited for a fresh start. We’re replace bulk of putting a new defense together offense and it’s going to take time to jell, but I think we’ll be able to surprise Replacing more than 80 some teams.” percent of last year’s scoring proHewlett, seeded 14th out of duction is the biggest concern for 22 Class C schools, will rely on Hewlett coach Jackie Hughes, who five starters on the offensive side guided the Bulldogs to 10 wins of the field to lead the way. Senior and a spot in the Nassau Class B midfielder Mark Winkler spearplayoffs last spring. heads the effort, Pescitelli said.

“We lost four incredible The three-sport athlete has played seniors who did so much for us, varsity lacrosse since his freshman but we return a lot of younger kids year and earned All-County honors who played every minute of every in 2021 when he had 46 points.

“Our offense should put up points and Mark will be a major part of it,” Pescitelli said.

Junior Max Mariasch, who is moving from attack to midfield, tied Winkler’s point production and earned Honorable Mention AllCounty. “Max is a playmaker with quick bursts who put a lot of work in during the offseason,” Pescitelli said.

Sophomore Luke Rochler is an offensive-minded midfielder who’s expected to take a portion of the draws.

Up front, juniors Ryan Goodman and Johnny Cusumano will be counted on to lead the attack.

Goodman was last year’s “Bulldog Award” winner for his spirited and hard-nosed play.

Mark Winkler Senior Carmelo Curra is the lone starting defender back in the fold and he’ll rarely come off the field, Pescitelli said. He’s joined by

T

game and experienced the speed of the varsity level,” Hughes said.

“We have some excellent young talent and just need to find out where the production is going to come from.”

Hewlett’s program is on the rise in terms of numbers and is fielding a JV squad for the first time in four years. The Bulldogs are also in Class C after a slight drop in school enrollment. “The road to the playoffs is going to be a little bit tougher,” Hughes said.

A fixture between the goalposts since 2019, junior Ava Giugliano has played every minute of every game since joining the varsity ranks. “Having a quality goalie like Ava is a game-changer,” Hughes said. “She’s fundamentally sound and has become more vocal. She keeps us competitive in every game.”

The defense in front of Giugliano will have a new look with sophomores Kate Epstein and Olivia Bellin moving from the back line to midfield where their speed and improved stick skills will be on display. Junior Dalilah Doncell and sophomore Tella Tutino and bring speed and athleticism to the defensive end, and junior Emily Goldenberg has experience in the back zone.

A pair of sister tandems will be counted on to get the offense into gear and spend time in the midfield and attack. Lightningquick sophomore twins Marcie and Catie Iannico are three-sport varsity athletes, and freshman Krista Lee and eighth-grader Claudia Lee played throughout the offseason and bring impressive skill sets and high lacrosse IQs, Hughes noted. Junior Jordan Billharz is another contributing attacker.

Ava Giugliano

Conference Schedules March

BOYS

29

@ Malv/East Rock

1 6 9 23 25 29

Friends Academy @ West Hempstead North Shore @ Bethpage Oyster Bay Wantagh

4 6 10 13 16

Lawrence @ Plainedge Wheatley Division @ Mineola

April

May

March

5:15 p.m.

5:15 p.m.

5:15 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

6:00 p.m.

5:15 p.m.

5:15 p.m.

5:15 p.m.

5:15 p.m.

5:15 p.m.

6:45 p.m.

GIRLS

25 30

Mineola @ Floral Park

5:15 p.m.

5:15 p.m.

2 5 8 12 27

Mepham @ Plainview MacArthur @ East Meadow @ Division

2:30 p.m.

5:15 p.m.

5:15 p.m.

5:15 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

5

Oyster Bay

5:15 p.m.

April

May

Photos by Neil Miller

22 — April 14, 2022

HIGH SCHOOL LACROSSE PREVIEW

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HIGH SCHOOL LACROSSE PREVIEW

April 14, 2022 — 23

2022 HERALD High School Lacrosse Preview

KENNEDY Improving Cougars on the prowl

By BRIAN KACHARABA

8-5 record in 2021 as a success considering his squad went 4-10 in the program’s previous full season nder normal circumstances, in 2019. And with several key players returning, that upward trend a team that starts 8-2 could very well continue. before losing its last three games with an early playoff exit “It was a positive year,” he said. would deem it a disappointing “We played a pretty young team season. But Kennedy boys’ lacrosse and it was just a good building coach Craig Papach doesn’t see it block for us. We’re not good yet, that way. but we will be.”

Papach viewed his team’s The Cougars, though, will need to find some scoring depth beyond senior Max Zaransky (a team-leading 35 tallies last spring), and juniors Joseph Battaglia (20) and Liam Schillinger (17). Only two other returning players, JV callups Raymond Torchia and Nick Giannaris, scored with a goal apiece.

Junior Dylan Estrin and sophomore Dylan Cutler will try to fill that void on attack.

“We don’t have any many year-round [players],” Papach said. “But we have athletic kids that compete. We’re going to out-athlete some teams and we can’t rely on our lacrosse skills because, for most of our guys, they’re still developing that.”

Schillinger leads a midfielder group that could be a big strength of the team.

Senior Caleb Alves can also play attack, sophomore Alex Leiderman can provide assists.

Senior Sean Cleary is solid on ground balls and junior Richie Ippoliti and senior Dylan Yam are “aggressive and strong athletes,” according to Papach. The revamped defense features seniors Jack Cohen, Robert Seltzberg and sophomore Finn Lofton.

Benjamin Greco had a strong year in goal with 139 saves, including 20 in a 7-3 win over Elmont on May 20. Papach said that Greco was “probably the Ben Greco best goaltender I’ve ever coached,” because of his lacrosse IQ and leadership skills.

U

24 — April 14, 2022

Kennedy on rise after first title The girls’ team reached a major milestone last spring by claiming their first conference title in program history. But the achievement proved to be a tad bittersweet after the Cougars had an 11-game winning streak snapped with a 17-5 loss to Calhoun in the first round of the playoffs.

Winning the division again will be a challenge with the team moving up to Conference IV, but coach Mallory Freely said her girls are up to the task.

“I’m excited,” she said. “We have a very good chance of going far.”

The Cougars averaged over 11 goals a game in 2021 and that number could grow even higher with all three 30-goal scorers from last season returning. Ella Galjanich (36 goals) impressed as a freshman and junior Kate O’Halloran (37) had three five-goal efforts. Senior Sarah Klein scored 31 times and freshman Lauren Robinson has the potential to be another threat.

“There is way more to come for Ella Galjanich,” Freely said. “I hope that Sarah has a big finishing year now that she looks more seasoned and controlled and Katie also will be giving her best stuff.

We expect big things out of those four.”

Jill O’Halloran (18 points), and Caroline Scali and Kaylee Ayers (9 points apiece) could also provide some scoring depth.

Sabrina Negron anchors a strong defensive corps that yielded just over four goals a game during the regular season and also features Faith Gunn, Danielle Farese and Brooke Horowitz.

“We have a nice pressure defense,” Freely said. “They’re very athletic girls and just know how to push the offense down and force

HIGH SCHOOL LACROSSE PREVIEW

Sarah Klein

them to the weak side. That worked to our advantage last year and we definitely made teams uncomfortable.”

Adrianna Califano is back in goal following a solid 139-save freshman season. She had 7 double-digit save games and posted a shutout in the conference-clinching win over Mill Neck.

Conference Schedules April

BOYS

4 8 12 22 27 30

@ Mepham Baldwin Long Beach Great Neck South @ Elmont @ MacArthur

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

4 10 13 16

Great Neck North @ Roslyn @ Sewanhaka Jericho

5:00 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

May

March

GIRLS

30 31

Jericho @ Wheatley

4 5 9 13 25 28

Roslyn @ New Hyde Park Baldwin @ Island Trees Hicksville @ Carey

3 7

@ Herricks Clarke

April

May

4:45 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

5:00 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

1:00 p.m.

Photos by Ron Manfredi

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HIGH SCHOOL LACROSSE PREVIEW

April 14, 2022 — 25

2022 HERALD High School Lacrosse Preview

LAWRENCE Golden Tornadoes strive to compete to say about the ascending talent.

“He’s a lefty that’s very shifty and does a great job of leading by example. He’s someone that comes out every day and works hard,” he stated.

Junior Goalie Amari Elliot is another potential x-factor for the squad He was a backup last year but thought hard work and dedication and is now the starter. He made 10 saves last year “with a lot of them right on the doorstep.” As coach McDermott stated: “He’s our number one guy on the defensive side of the ball.”

Junior Dexter Robinson should be able to help the team in a multitude

young as we only have 2-3 seniors.

Out of the 22 guys for this season, 15 are juniors so it will be about developing those guys.”

The coach does not have a defined record or final position in mind when evaluating the upcoming season. This season’s success will be defined by how well the group does the little things right and build upon those tenets.

“Hopefully the small things translate to the win loss column,” McDermott stated. “At the very least, getting ground balls, making the hustle plays, and that should lead us to a couple more W’s.”

Dexter Robinson

By JAMIE DEJONG

E

very team alike felt the effects of the COVID epidemic, and Lawrence boys’ lacrosse is no exception. With guys on the roster coming up and down due to the various outbreaks, the team’s 5-7 record makes much more sense. Entering this 2022 campaign, the goal for the Golden Tornadoes will be to play the game the right way.

“Our goal is to make sure that we are competitive in every aspect of the game and keeping every game close,” coach Keith McDermott stated.

There are a few players on the roster that will be major catalysts to ensuring that competitive ambition is actualized. Starting midfielder junior Kody Kirchner should be one of the main goal scorers for the Golden Tornadoes. He is the starting quarterback for the school’s football team, and coach McDermott had glowing things 26 — April 14, 2022

Kody Kirchner

of ways. He is its Swiss army knife, as he plays attack and middie. “Has a great first step that helps him get to the cage,” McDermott stated. “He is most certainly not afraid to shot.

He hasn’t seen a shot he doesn’t like.”

It’s important to note the composition of the roster, as there are few seniors.

“Most of the team is juniors and they are returning juniors,” McDermott stated. “We brought up a lot of guys and we’re still

Conference Schedule BOYS

April 6 8 12 23 26

Amari Elliott

Locust Valley @ Oyster Bay @ Clarke Division North Shore

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

5:00 p.m.

May 4 6 13 16 18

@ Hewlett West Hempstead Mineola @ Friends Academy @ Wheatley

5:15 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

Photos by Donovan Berthoud

HIGH SCHOOL LACROSSE PREVIEW

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April 14, 2022 — 27

2022 HERALD High School Lacrosse Preview

LONG BEACH Marines rely on balance, chemistry

By TONY BELLISSIMO

S

eeded fourth in Nassau Class B boys’ lacrosse coming off a 5-win campaign that included impressive victories over Class A programs Massapequa and Port Washington, Long Beach is looking to take care of business against opponents seeded below it and give the top three a “run for their money,” coach Jason Pearl said.

“We have a coachable group

with chemistry,” Pearl said. “I think we’ll be pretty balanced and have what it takes to be competitive with everyone on the schedule.”

The Marines feature a junior-led defense in front of senior goaltender Wally Carroll, who won the starting job in camp last spring and went on to make 134 saves.

“We had no idea what to expect from him, but now we do,” Pearl said. “Wally anticipates well and makes the tough saves.”

Long Beach’s football quarterback, junior Hayden Sofield, is also the lacrosse QB on defense, Pearl explained. “We rely on Hayden to do all the communicating because his lacrosse IQ is through the roof,” the coach said. Junior Jack Skarren, a county champion swimmer, is another key defender with quick hands and feet who’ll log major minutes. Junior Tom Cieleski joins the back row after playing long pole middie in 2021.

In the midfield, senior Jeffrey Conway is a strong two-way asset and one of the best three-sport athletes in the school, Pearl said.

Senior Owen Stark is scrappy and does a lot of the dirty work, and speedy senior Christian Tarsia will look to contribute after rehabbing from injury. Senior Chris Buonocore and junior Jaden Bloom are both long pole middies and strong on and off the ball, Pearl said.

Junior attack Jack Miller is the team’s top returning scorer (20 goals) and added muscle to go with his skill set. He works well with senior Joe Cieleski, a crafty playmaker up front and comes off a 17-point season.

Long Beach has title aspirations

Wally Carroll 28 — April 14, 2022

Long Beach has its sights set on climbing perennial county championship contender Garden

City to put its first-ever girls’ lacrosse banner on the gymnasium wall.

The Marines, a year removed from losing to South Side in the Class B semifinals, are loaded with talent all over the field and will gain the perfect measuring stick off the bat when they face Garden City in the Conference I opener.

“I like the idea of playing Garden City early to find out where we’re at,” coach Rachel Ray said. “Hopefully we’ll see them again in June. We have our eyes on that big goal of winning it all. We graduated some great players, but we still have outstanding talent, chemistry and depth.”

Junior Delaney Radin is an All-American attack who registered 24 goals and 58 assists last spring. She’s committed to the University of Florida. “Delaney is immensely talented and her lacrosse IQ is through the roof,” Ray said. “She’s so creative and has a great shot. Her ability to thread the needle with perfect passes while battling a double or triple team is incredible.”

Senior Leah Chasin, freshman Delaney Chernoff and eighthgrader Sky Kilfeather (12 goals in 2021) are additional weapons on attack.

In the midfield, Ray is excited for the return of draw specialist Keira Bauer, who missed last season with a knee injury. Between Bauer, junior Nora Codianni and sophomore Ava Main, the coach said she’s never had so much speed in the midfield.

On defense, UMass-bound senior Cate Miller leads the way and also has dynamic two-way ability and speed to burn. “She’ll be the fastest player on the field for either team in every game,” Ray said of the fifth-year defender who works alongside seniors Morgan McCaffery and Ali Kile.

HIGH SCHOOL LACROSSE PREVIEW

Delaney Radin

Senior Sarah Gusler is the returning starter in goal and sophomore Emily Backlin is also expected to contribute.

Conference Schedules BOYS

April 12 22 27

@ Kennedy MacArthur Great Neck South

4:45 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

4 6 11 13 17

@ Jericho Roslyn Carey @ Garden City @ Calhoun

5:30 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

May

GIRLS March 28 31

Garden City @ Manhasset

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4 9 13 25 28

@ C.S. Harbor South Side @ Wantagh Plainedge North Shore

7:00 p.m.

11:00 a.m.

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

3 6

@ Syosset Massapequa

5:00 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

April

May

Photos by Neil Miller

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

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HIGH SCHOOL LACROSSE PREVIEW

April 14, 2022 — 29

2022 HERALD High School Lacrosse Preview

LYNBROOK Experienced Owls aim to improve

By BRIAN KACHARABA

can kick it into gear a little bit.”

Meszaros had 24 goals and four hat tricks last year, including a season-high four in a 6-5 win over he Lynbrook boys’ lacrosse Oceanside in the regular-season fiteam will field a more expe- nale, while Fagan added 21. Junior rienced lineup than the one Max Dantona had the third-most that went 4-9 a year ago, but will goals on the team with eight and that translate into more goals? is poised for a big year by getting The Owls averaged just over “bigger and stronger and faster,” six goals a game in 2021 and fell a according to Leighley. tally short in a 7-6 loss to WheatDefensively, Lynbrook averley/Carle Place in the first round aged just over 10 goals allowed of the Nassau Class C playoffs. a game and limited its foes to 10 Only two players – senior Christian tallies or less seven times last seaMeszaros and junior Michael son. Senior goalie Collin Lung got Fagan – reached double-digits in the bulk of the playing time and goals last spring and both return to Leighley is also bullish on junior the lineup.

Jake Lunati.

“We were a little bit inexperi“Defensively, we’re hoping enced on offense last year,” coach to hold it down,” he said. “We’ve Bill Leighley said. “We were trying got two very good goalies. We’re to do different things with what hoping that they can be very good we had, and I think those guys leaders on the defensive end and that we got back from last limit teams from scoring.” year’s team have a Leighley is also expecting lot more experience strong seasons from senior so hopefully they midfielder Tyler Ippolito and his defensive tandem of junior Sean O’Brien and senior Brandon Torres.

The Owls face a manageable conference schedule that also features a trip to Manhasset to meet the top-seeded team in the entire county.

T

Christian Meszaros

30 — April 14, 2022

will likely use the same formula in hopes of getting deep into the playoffs again this season despite losing several key players to graduation.

The offense averaged 14 goals last spring and reached double digits in all 15 games but will have to try to do so without 55-goal scorer Jenna Hendrickson. Steady midfielder Maggie Bodian, defensive anchor Camilla Bahri and starting goalie Madison Marchetta are also gone, leaving plenty of other holes to fill.

“We have two of our corner piece scorers coming back, so on the offensive side of the ball we’re looking good,” coach Vin Treto said. “[It will be] a similar formula.

We’re going to focus heavily on the defensive side of the ball.”

Juniors Mimi Berkowitz (41 goals, 23 assists) and Sara Curley (38-18) will now lead the attack.

Berkowitz scored the tiebreaking goal with 51 seconds left to help the Owls win their quarterfinal match at North Shore, while Curley scored a combined 11 goals in back-to-back close wins over Friends Academy (May 29) and Locust Valley (June 2).

“Their chemistry is phenomenal,” Tetro said. “They started every game together last year, so they’re coming back together with that 41 goals and 38 goals on the right said of my attack.”

Tetro is looking for midfielders Caityblu Cavassa, Kaelynn O’Brien and Kyla Nembach to get them the ball. Cavassa had 18 goals and is strong on faceoffs, while O’Brien and Nembach have developed a nice chemistry together.

Lynbrook After that, there are concerns. looks to keep Tetro has yet to determine his offense starters on defense at press time cranking and senior, but inexperienced, Drue Lynbrook’s girls’ team won 11 Marchetta will likely get the first games and advanced to the Class crack at replacing her older sister in goal.

C semifinals in 2021 thanks to a strong offense that had to do a little extra to make up for an inexperienced defense. The Owls HIGH SCHOOL LACROSSE PREVIEW

Grace Bodian

Conference Schedules April

BOYS

12 22 27

@ Kennedy MacArthur Great Neck South

4:45 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

4 6 11 13 17

@ Jericho Roslyn Carey @ Garden City @ Calhoun

5:30 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

May

March

GIRLS

29

Plainedge

1 6 9 12 23 27

@ Wantagh @ Manhasset @ Seaford Malv-East Rock. @ Island Trees Bethpage

4 7 10 13 18

Floral Park @ Friends Academy @ C.S. Harbor Locust Valley South Side

April

May

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

1:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

4:45 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

1:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

Photos by Keith O’Reilly

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

2022 HERALD High School Lacrosse Preview

MacARTHUR M Generals boast high expectations

A

By ANDREW COEN n experienced MacArthur boys’ lacrosse team enters the 2022 season motivated to make history.

The Generals just missed reaching the first county finals in MacArthur program history with a 12-7 loss to Carey in the Class B semifinals. Being on the doorstep of competing for a county title is major fuel for MacArthur, which returns all of its starters from last spring.

“With the success that we had last year they are extremely motivated to get back there this year and hopefully take the next step,” said coach John Nessler.

“That was our first final four as a program and to be able to leave their mark on something forever is something they have been looking forward to and they want to keep going from there.”

Nessler returns four All-County players on offense in midfielders Matt Papach, James Napoli and Joey Forchelli along with attackman Vinny Butrico. Senior attackmen John Rebaudo and James Hegel were also part of a balanced offense last year that produced five 40-point scorers.

Senior faceoff specialist Connor Cullen could prove to be a key x factor in producing extra possessions for the Generals after earning All-Conference accolades as a junior.

The Generals are also expecting to be strong on defense with reigning All-County player Michael Cassano. Luca Runyan and Nick DelGrosso, who both earned honorable mention All-County honors, along with four-year starter TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000

Ryan Larkin provide a strong unit in front of senior goaltender Steven Weber.

MacArthur enters the season as the pres-season No. 2 seed in Class B behind only defending county champion Garden City.

Nessler expects strong competition from Carey and Long Beach to reach that championship stage for the first time.

“These guys have been working their tails off since they were in sixth grade,” Nessler said. “They have put a lot of time and effort into getting us to where we are.”

MacArthur reliant on defense An experienced defense

Vinny Butrico

should position the MacArthur girls’ lacrosse team for a return to the playoffs despite losing key offensive players.

MacArthur, which fell to South Side in the Class B quarterfinals last spring, brings back its entire starting defense led by senior goalie Giavanna Stamatelo.

“I think Gia is one of the best goalies in the county,” said seventh-year MacArthur head coach Dan Agovino of Stamatelo, who will play college lacrosse next season at Davenport University in Michigan. “With her in net anything is possible and we could really be competitive.”

Stamatelo will have a veteran close defense in front of her led by returning starters Ava Angiuli, Marissa Cardon and Naomi Gonzalez. Sophomore Sophia Marino, who started on defense as a freshman last year, will move to midfield.

Marino will be a key catalyst in the midfield along with returning starters Kailee Coppola and Gianna Feniello.

The Generals graduated all starting attackers from last year and will rely on newcomers to step up with scoring close to the cage.

Senior Jennifer Leroy played some attack last season and Agovino is hoping she can now step up into a bigger offensive role.

Natalia Russo will be another important factor in MacArthur’s offense taking the draw controls. specialist. Eighth graders Caleigh O’Shea and Eve Larkin will also take draws.

MacArthur will once again compete in Conference III and Agovino feels the team has the potential to win a league title before competing in the Class B playoffs against some of the top teams in the county.

“I think with our senior leadership and them mentoring the younger players I think we will compete for the conference title

Gia Stamatelo

and make a run at the playoffs,” he said. “We’re excited about the younger players stepping in and having an impact right away.”

Conference Schedules April

BOYS

13 22 30

@ Jericho @ Long Beach Kennedy

5:30 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

4 6 11 14 17

@ Roslyn @ Garden City Calhoun Carey Herricks

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

May

March

GIRLS

24 30

Floral Park @ Mepham

2 5 8 12

Plainview @ East Meadow @ Hewlett Division

2 6

Oyster Bay @ Mineola

April May

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

5:00 p.m.

5:15 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

Photos by Ron Manfredi

HIGH SCHOOL LACROSSE PREVIEW

April 14, 2022 — 31

2022 HERALD High School Lacrosse Preview

MALV/EAST ROCK Rockin’ Mules aim for playoffs

By DAVID WEINGRAD

T

here’s plenty of reasons why coach Andrew Biscardi is confident his team could make the postseason out of Conference C for the first time in program history.

It starts with his talented senior goalie, Aidan Green, who is not only adept at keeping balls out of the net but at igniting the offense with his transition passes.

“His outlet passes are always on the money,” said Biscardi, adding that Green will be the netminder at Adelphi in the fall. “When he makes a save, the first thing he does is look upfield.”

The ball will often end up in the webbing of senior attackman Joe Lazazzaro, who Biscardi said is often the initiator of scoring opportunities, possessing a keen sense when to make the pass or take it himself.

Senior midfielder Liam O’Neill is a pesky presence who makes it difficult for opponents to start their offense. “Playing one-on-one defense, he doesn’t really get beaten often,” his coach said.

Also in the midfield, Biscardi praised junior Robert Staubitz, who racked up six goals and 18 assists a season ago, and sophomore Jaden Taylor, a top faceoff specialist. And senior Rajinda Ramnouth will bring his solid fundamental play and experience to lead the defensive unit.

A potential breakout player is eighth grader Christian Atwell, who upfront has shown a nice chemistry with Lazazzaro on the attack.

While not historically a powerhouse lacrosse program, Biscardi said what has excited him the most is the feedback he’s received from oppos-

ing coaches and even referees on their vast improvement. “We’ve been grooming these players the last few years,” he said. “A lot of people hear the Malverne/East Rockaway program and they think of the old days. When these guys play to their potential, it’s like seeing a top team play.”

Among those whose game has elevated recently is junior Sarah Boubert, a vocal leader in the midfield whose spirited play often motivates her teammates.

Sophomore Emma Poland, a twoway star on the East Rockaway basketball team, shifted from defense to midfield last year and has become an offensive weapon with her passing skills Steady progress and toughness on draws. for Malverne/ On defense, sophomore East Rockaway Isabella Alvarez has become a ground ball specialist who transiCasey Capece is entering tions the ball well to the offense, just her third year as Malverne/ even creeping upfield to join in the East Rockaway’s girls’ coach but attack. is already gushing about the Junior Aliyah Reshard has progress her team has made in just impressed Capece with her steady two seasons. improvement as goalie since she “I’ve never seen growth initially entered the program with happen so fast the way this team plenty of talent but raw fundamengelled last season,” said Capece, tals. Now, Capece said, “She’s so adding that many of the girls stealthy where you think she’s not entered the program at an introgoing to make a save, and then ductory level and are already abshe’ll just snatch it. She’s a quiet sorbing highly strategic concepts. hard worker.”

“They’re extremely intelligent.

Two breakout candidates They’ve retained so much that has are eighth grader MaKayla Boubert translated on the field.” and seventh grader Makaela Brennan, both athletic and skilled players who Capece said should receive a boost gaining experience with older competition.

The coach said her team’s strength is their drive and persistence, plus their desire to improve. Continued progress is what she’s most excited for this season. “To see the team at the start of last season to the end, it was like two different teams,” said Capece. “I get chills thinking about it and I’m thrilled to pick up where we left off.”

Aidan Green

Sarah Boubert

Conference Schedules March 29 31

BOYS

Hewlett @ Mineola

5:15 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

April 9 12 19 23 29

@ Friends Academy 10:00 a.m. @ Lynbrook 5:00 p.m. @ West Hempstead 10:00 a.m.

Clarke 10:00 a.m. @ Seaford 5:00 p.m.

4 7 10 13 18

Oyster Bay South Side @ Locust Valley Island Trees Floral Park

May

March

5:15 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

GIRLS

25 30

Valley Stream @ Glen Cove

4:30 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

2 5 7 12 14 29

Freeport @ West Hempstead Great Neck North @ Great Neck South @ Sewanhaka @ Hempstead

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

2 6

Roosevelt Elmont

4:45 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

April

May

Photos by Keith O’Reilly

32 — April 14, 2022

HIGH SCHOOL LACROSSE PREVIEW

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

2022 HERALD High School Lacrosse Preview

2022

GIRLS HEAD

REBECCA LAFLARE - Baldwin

COACHES MELISSA ROHR - Calhoun

Photo not available

STEVE SAVINO - Carey

RICK ARAGONA - Clarke

NICOLETTE TORTORICI - East Meadow

KEMOLA WEBSTER - Elmont

ANABEL LOPEZ - Freeport

JACKIE HUGHES - Hewlett

MALLORY FREELY - Kennedy

RACHEL RAY - Long Beach

VINCENT TETRO - Lynbrook

DAN AGOVINO - MacArthur

CASEY CAPECE - Malverne/E. Rockaway

KRISTEN MOGAVERO - Mepham

RALPH MONTERA JR. - Oceanside

JENNA DAVIS - Seaford

ERICA BRENNAN - Sewanhaka

JESSICA RICOTTA - Valley Stream

ROBYN PASTUCH - Wantagh

SUZANNE KENNEY - West Hempstead

TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000

HIGH SCHOOL LACROSSE PREVIEW

ROB DEVLIN- South Side

April 14, 2022 — 33

2022 HERALD High School Lacrosse Preview

MEPHAM Pirates in search of playoff win

By DAVID WEINGRAD

A

n elite defensive unit and an up-and-coming offense has Pirates coach Tom Mazeika excited that this may be the squad that lifts the school to its first playoff win in nearly two decades.

Led by senior Danny Fitzgerald, the Pirates will look to grind out games by limiting opponents’ opportunities, and aggressively transitioning from defense to offense to generate their own.

Fitzgerald, who Mazeika said had a strong lacrosse I.Q. and excels at picking up loose balls, will be a big part of that strategy.

He’ll be joined in the backfield by junior Kevin Perry, a physically daunting 6-foot-5 defender, and sophomore Mitch Savalli, a cerebral defender who is a vocal leader on the defensive end.

“Defensively we’re ahead of where we want to be,” Mazeika said. “As long as we can manage the game offensively and be efficient, we’ll be able to match up well.”

With a bit more inexperience on offense, Mazeika said they will aspire for a more controlled style of play, while mixing and matching combinations to find the right chemistry.

But they certainly aren’t lacking in athleticism. Leading the midfield will be senior Nick Honerkamp, a strong, speedy twoway player who’s also the starting quarterback of the football team.

Up front, sophomore Liam Williams has made major strides since his freshman year, said Mazeika, lauding his work ethic and fundamentals. “At Mepham we talk a lot about doing the dirty work,” he said. “He’s a dirty work kind of guy.”

A potential breakout star 34 — April 14, 2022

is freshman Owen Heller, who played varsity as an eighth grader and utilizes his six-foot-two frame with a blistering outside shot.

While a playoff spot remains the goal, Mazeika reiterated a deeper run isn’t out of the question. “I think we have a lot of potential with this group,“ he said.

Mepham has influx of young talent A Pirates squad loaded with young talent will look to continue its growth this spring, and perhaps make some noise atop the competitive Conference III. Several freshman and sophomores will crack the opening day lineup and will be expected to play a major role alongside Mepham’s top attacker, senior Kaitlyn Smith.

Smith, who earned an All-County honorable mention a

Danny Fitzgerald

season ago and will play at Marywood University in Scranton in the fall, excels at not only creating scoring opportunities for herself, but also setting up teammates for success. “She has great vision for the game,” said coach Kristen Mogavero, who played lacrosse at Boston University. “She knows where to be, knows what looks to go for. She’s really the heart of the team.”

Midfielder Jenna Dempsey, a varsity player since eighth grade who earned All-Conference last year, is already a wily veteran as a sophomore. She’ll be the anchor of the midfield, said Mogavero, lauding her quickness and ball handling skills that make her a matchup nightmare for opponents.

She’ll form a dynamic duo with freshman Grace Skulavic, a physical player with a hard shot who impressed the coaching staff in tryouts.

Junior Madison Weber is the lone returner on defense and will step into a leadership role.

“She’s our go-to person when there’s a shooter on the other team,” Mogavero said.

In goal, sophomore Catherine Chow showed vast improvement throughout her freshman year and was a standout in camp. “She’s beating out some of our midfielders and attackers in sprints,” her coach said.

If the team continues its ascent, Mogavero said a run at taking Conference III is not out of the ques-

Kaitlyn Smith

tion, adding, “I feel pretty confident that they’re going to be a very resilient team and very hungry for opportunities, especially because we have that youth out there,” she said.

Conference Schedules April

BOYS

4 8 13 22 27

Kennedy @ Jericho Calhoun Glen Cove @ Garden City

4 6 11 14 17

Elmont @ Baldwin @ Herricks @ New Hyde Park @ Carey

May

March

4:45 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

5:00 p.m.

GIRLS

25 30

@ Plainview MacArthur

4:30 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

2 5 13 27

@ Hewlett Division @ Oyster Bay Mineola

2:30 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

2 6

@ Floral Park East Meadow

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

April May

Photos by Ron Manfredi

HIGH SCHOOL LACROSSE PREVIEW

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

2022 HERALD High School Lacrosse Preview

2022

BOYS HEAD

TIM CLANCY - Baldwin

COACHES JIM FEMMINELLA - Calhoun

TOM AIELLO - Carey

JOE HASBROUCK - Clarke

TOM SUSKO - East Meadow

JUSTIN CASANO - Elmont

HARRY MOHRMAN - Freeport

DALE PESCITELLI - Hewlett

CRAIG PAPACH - Kennedy

KEITH MCDERMOTT - Lawrence

JASON PEARL - Long Beach

BILL LEIGHLEY - Lynbrook

JOHN NESSLER - MacArthur

ANDREW BISCARDI - Malverne/E. Rockaway

TOM MAZEIKA - Mepham

ROB BLOUNT - Oceanside

BRIAN HORNER - Seaford

MIKE SAKOWICH - Sewanhaka

JAMES POLO - Wantagh

MIKE PAUL - West Hempstead

STEVE DIPIETRO - South Side

TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000

MATT ANTONIOU - Valley Stream

HIGH SCHOOL LACROSSE PREVIEW

April 14, 2022 — 35

2022 HERALD High School Lacrosse Preview

OCEANSIDE Senior-led Sailors seek rebound

By GARRETT D. URIBE

S

ideswiped by the pandemic last season, the Sailors boys’ lacrosse team was blown adrift – finishing an eighth-place 2-11 in Nassau Conference A with a first-round loss to fourth seed Massapequa in the Class A playoffs.

Its close-knit core of underclassmen now matured into seasoned seniors, Oceanside, said coach Rob Blount, is ripe and ready to set to work on a course correction the skipper feels is at hand.

“Last year was a tough year for the program with light numbers, late start to the 2021 spring season and little time for development,” said Blount, whose team welcomes 19 returners – 15 seniors – as it heads back to Conference A. “This team’s had lots of ups and downs as a group, playing together since they were freshmen and sophomores. I’m glad they’re at the point now to show what a finished product they are.”

All-County goalkeeper Ryan Collins – a SUNY Oneonta commit – is back to head Oceanside’s defense, joined by fellow award-winning senior Brian Brennan, a Pace University-bound, Honorable Mention All-County long stick middie. Co-captain Collins ranked seventh in Nassau posting 116 saves.

“Ryan did a tremendous job keeping us in games,” said Blount. “Very stable between the hoops.”

On the attack, Honorable Mention All-County senior co-captain Ronnie Kraemer – whose 17 goals and 46 points led Oceanside – returns along with seniors Vincent McCabe – the Sailors’ assist leader (12) – and Dylan

Nardone (seven goals, nine assists).

At midfield Michael Mecca – tied for 10th in Nassau last season with 32 ground balls – returns as a senior co-captain, with juniors Nicky Cairo and Jake Perinchief both set to start a second season.

“We should be one of the top teams in Class A,” Blount said.

“Looking to crack the door and get into the semifinals. Excited to have the opportunity to compete and get to Hofstra.”

Oceanside features mix of veterans, newcomers Oceanside’s 2021 season was a seesaw. Out of the gate the Sailors plunged to 1-5 in Conference 2

Ryan Collins

girls’ lacrosse, then swung back up with a 5-2 run to end the regular season. Oceanside’s stat lines also tended to tip towards either extreme, as the Sailors boasted the league’s stingiest defense (9.0 goals against average), while scoring at the second-lowest rate in the conference (8.8 goals per game).

Peaking late, the pendulum’s upswing carried the Sailors to the Class A semifinals, where they fell to top-seeded Syosset, Class A’s eventual runner-up.

As team scoring leader Lily Johnson returns to head a cadre of Oceanside veterans, sixth-year Sailors coach Ralph Montera Jr. said his club’s many fresh faces this season will get early on-the-job training, as Oceanside looks to keep its roll alive returning to Conference 2 action.

“Lily’s a senior we’ll rely on to show new players the ropes,” Montera Jr. said of the All-County attacker and Springfield College (Mass.) commit. “Over half our roster’s first-year varsity players. It’s nice having some seniors to lead the way.”

Alongside Johnson, fellow senior and Sailors co-captain Izzy Weintraub (Wesleyan University) will be looked to for continued leadership, and more. The AllConference fourth-year goalkeeper had a career-high 101 saves last season (10th in Nassau), and has shown an increasing propensity to extend defensive services beyond the crease. “Izzy’s much more than a goaltender,” Montera Jr. said.

“She’ll come out of the cage and pick off passes. She’s a backbone of the whole team.”

Mikayla Danon and Izzy’s sister Sam Weintraub – both seniors – return as fourth-year defenders, while senior Cassidy Reicherter becomes a first-year-starting attacker for Oceanside.

Izzy Weintrab

“Like last year, we hope we’re playing best when the playoffs come,” Montera Jr. said. “We preach getting better each day.

Hopefully, our new players get stronger as the season goes on.”

Conference Schedules April

BOYS

6 19 27 30

@ Hicksville @ Hempstead Farmingdale Freeport

5:00 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

6:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

3 6 11 14 18

@ Massapequa @ East Meadow Plainview Port Washington @ Syosset

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

6:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

5:00 p.m.

May

March

GIRLS

26 29

@ Locust Valley 5:00 p.m. @ Friends Academy 5:00 p.m.

1 8 11 26 30

Calhoun @ Carle Place Farmingdale Seaford @ Bethpage

4 7

Port Washington @ Lynbrook

April

May

4:30 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

5:00 p.m.

3:00 p.m.

Photos by Eric Dunetz

36 — April 14, 2022

HIGH SCHOOL LACROSSE PREVIEW

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HIGH SCHOOL LACROSSE PREVIEW

April 14, 2022 — 37

2022 HERALD High School Lacrosse Preview

SEAFORD Vikings full of experience, talent

By ANDREW COEN

Ulzheimer, who recorded 10 saves in Seaford’s 13-5 quarterfinal win against North Shore last year.

Senior Eric Schiller, an honorable ith 17 returning seniors, Seaford boys’ lacrosse is mention All-County honoree, will fueled for a breakthrough anchor the close defense along with Jack Murphy and sophomore season.

Jake Anzelone as well as shortThe Vikings are seeking the stick defensive midfielder Thomas program’s first county finals appearance in 20 years after falling in Kofod.

Seaford competes in a chalthe semifinals last spring to eventual Class C champion Manhasset. lenging Conference C featuring Manhasset, South Side, Bethpage, “One of the talking points Wantagh, Lynbrook, North Shore and motivations for us this year is unfinished business,” said seventh- and Plainedge. year Seaford coach Brian Horner.

“Getting to the finals is something Seaford looks to that hasn’t been done in awhile flip close results and they consider that unfinished business and want to check if off Third-year Seaford girls’ the list.” coach Jenna Davis will finally get Seaford returns three Allto embark on her first full season County players on offense includguiding the Vikings. ing senior midfielder AJ Barone, Davis’ first season in 2020 who tallied 29 goals last year. The was canceled due to the onset versatile Barone will also grab a of the COVID-19 pandemic and long pole for man-down defense. last year was limited to a month’s Reigning All-County attackman Cameron Connolly is also back after registering 15 goals and 50 assists last season. He was selected as an Under 18 Team USA member last summer and will play on the college level next year at Long Island University.

Senior John Raucci earned AllCounty honors as a midfielder last year and is slated to play attack this spring. James McHugh, a standout running back for Seaford football, was an honorable mention All-County attackman as a junior and will switch to midfield for his senior season. Veteran Anthony Munro adds another big scoring weapon off a 24-goal season last Cameron Connolly year as a junior.

Kyle Stark will take the brunt of faceoffs along with Munro.

On defense, Seaford returns All-Conference goalie Joe

W

38 — April 14, 2022

worth of games starting in early May. Seaford made strides in the abridged season to reach the Class C quarterfinals, which Davis hopes sets a positive course for this spring with nearly every starter returning.

“Out of our six conference losses last season four of them were by one goal and another was by two goals so we were in every game,” said Davis, whose team finished 8-6 in Conference II before falling to eventual Class C champion Manhasset in the quarterfinals, 16-6. “There is definitely a lot of potential to place higher and go further.”

Senior attacker Alex Leggio, an Adelphi commit, returns as one of the key offensive leaders after an All-County season in which she tallied 35 goals and 28 assists.

Fellow senior attacker Emily Montagano gives the Vikings additional scoring experience close to the net.

Sophomore midfielders Danielle McHugh and Amanda Williamson are looking for further strides this spring after big freshman seasons. Junior Amanda Ettinger, a two-way midfielder committed to Binghamton, provides additional scoring punch after a 28-goal 2021 campaign.

The defense is anchored largely by senior Emma Williamson, who is one of three captains along with Montagano and Leggio. Sophomore Daniella Stek along with twin sisters Brooke and Parker Surace are also integral parts of the defensive unit.

Senior goalie Maddy Catalanotti gives Seaford a veteran presence in net. Junior Nicole Nietsch also may see some time in net after starting on junior varsity as a sophomore.

Seaford competes in a challenging Conference II which also features Bethpage, Locust Valley, Friends Academy, Lynbrook and newcomer Farmingdale.

HIGH SCHOOL LACROSSE PREVIEW

Alex Leggio

Conference Schedules April

BOYS

6 9 23 27 29

@ Floral Park Lynbrook Friends Academy C.S. Harbor Malv/East Rock.

4:45 p.m.

1:00 p.m.

4:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

4 6 10 13 18

@ Wantagh @ Island Trees South Side @ Bethpage @ Manhasset

4:45 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

6:00 p.m.

May

March

GIRLS

26 29

@ Lynbrook Locust Valley

10:00 a.m.

5:00 p.m.

6 11 26 28

@ Calhoun Carle Place @ Oceanside Farmingdale

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

2 4

@ Port Washington Bethpage

6:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

April May

Photos by Ron Manfredi

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

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April 14, 2022 — 39

2022 HERALD High School Lacrosse Preview

SEWANHAKA Indians rebuild after 13 departures

By BRIAN KACHARABA

T

here weren’t many teams that got hit harder with graduation than the Sewanhaka boys’ lacrosse program. The Indians lost 13 senior starters from last year’s 7-7 team that accounted for 98 of their 109 goals, including 55 from star midfielder Nicholas O’Shea.

There are only four seniors on this year’s roster, so this season will be more about enduring growing pains and developing the underclassmen for the 2023 season rather than wins and losses.

“We just have to learn lacrosse IQ, that’s the big thing,” coach Mike Sakowich said. “Our lacrosse knowledge has to increase and it’s going to come through experience.”

Sebastian Horta had eight goals and 14 points during his junior season and will be depended on to do the heavy lifting offensively and on faceoffs this season. He heads a solid middie corps that also includes juniors Steiger Devil and Brian Rivera, speedy Garvey Dorestan, and fellow sophomore Lovell Cannon, who will be working more on the defensive end.

“He’s pretty much our go-to guy,” Sakowich said of Horta. “A lot of the offense runs through him.

He works his tail off every day, he’s a good leader [and] he’s trying to get on the guys to keep them positive.”

Versatile junior Jason Rocha had a pair of goals and an assist last year and is poised to increase those numbers playing both middie and attack and Sakowich said senior newcomer Simon Papavangjeli is quickly developing his game as a defensive middie.

Senior Paul Caputo leads the back end with his strong stick skills and is usually assigned the other 40 — April 14, 2022

team’s best player. Niles Teekasingh is healthy again and can also be used as a defensive middie or on the back end.

Junior Jalen Brown had a taste of the varsity level last year as the backup goalkeeper and inherited the starting spot this spring.

Back to basics for Sewanhaka Wins have been few and far between for the Sewanhaka girls’ team in recent years – it only had one in each of the last three seasons – and that number may not grow much higher because of inexperience and losing its top two scorers and starting goaltender from 2021 to graduation.

This will be another developmental season for the Indians, but the current lineup could be more consistent in the coming

years with only one senior on the roster. For coach Erica Brennan, it’s now a matter of teaching her young and green team the basics.

“It seems like it’s always like that for Sewanhaka,” she said.

“But, however this year, a majority of the players who came out never played lacrosse before. Most of them are ninth and tenth graders, and it’s the first year for the ninth graders picking up a stick.”

But there is still plenty of talent. Speedy Stephanie Aguilar could again find herself on the scoresheet often due to her nose for the net, Olivia Nehaus plays an aggressive style and is strong on faceoffs and fellow sophomore Mariah Wolfe is also an offensive threat because of her stick skills and ball handing ability. Freshman Gabriella Dawson also provides depth up front.

Brennan is also high on the Grant sisters, junior Kyla and freshman Janiya, who both picked up lacrosse last year and immediately grew into solid defenders. She lauded them for their hustle and willingness to help them team any way they can.

“They’re outstanding young ladies in my opinion,” Brennan said. “They really give it their all on the field. They want to be middies and go up and down the field.”

The lone senior, Trinity Mitchell, provides experience on defense and sophomore Serenity Walrond is expected to receive more playing time on the back end.

Juniors Rachaely Reyes and Margie Sulfrano are both in the mix for the goaltender job.

Sebastian Horta

Trinity Mitchell

Conference Schedules BOYS

April 13 22 27 30

Great Neck North Elmont @ Roslyn Jericho

5:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

1:00 p.m.

3 6 11 13

@ Great Neck South @ New Hyde Park @ Glen Cove Kennedy

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

May

March

GIRLS

25 30

Glen Cove @ Elmont

2 5 8 12 14 27 29

West Hempstead @ Valley Stream Great Neck South @ Freeport Malv/East Rock @ Great Neck North @ Roosevelt

6

Hempstead

April

May

5:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

Photos by Eric Dunetz

HIGH SCHOOL LACROSSE PREVIEW

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2022 HERALD High School Lacrosse Preview

SOUTH SIDE Cyclones ready for new challenge

By JAMIE DEJONG

T

he South Side boys’ lacrosse team will have a new challenge this year, as the team will have to adjust to a completely new landscape. The Cyclones will play in Nassau Class C, which is a new but interesting challenge.

“This is our first year in the Cs ever, so that is going to be a new challenge as it’s a very deep and talented conference,” coach Steve DiPietro said.

While the team did graduate its entire starting attack from last spring, there is plenty of returning talent it will carry into its new situation.

Luke Schwartzberg

Brady West, a University of Loyola-Maryland commit, will be a primary goal scorer on top of everything else. According to DiPietro: “He is big, fast and will be on every opponent’s scouting report.” West had 19 goals and 8 assists last year on the way to earning All-County honors. Senior Luke Schwartzberg, a Muhlenberg commit, will retain his spot as the starting long pole midfielder and was honorable mention All-County.

Senior Patrick Erickson will be one of the Cyclones’ premier defenders, and he had 19 ground balls and 8 caused turnovers last season. Junior goaltender Tommy

Gentile was an All-Conference selection last season, and he even had a goal against Garden City in the Class B semifinals.

The Cyclones will be challenged early and often with a strenuous schedule, but will look to continue to make noise in the playoffs. Other key returnees include Andrew Meindl, Billy Mohr and Danny Capitelli.

“We’ve been in the semifinals 6 or 7 years in a row now. We’ve been knocking on the door so we’ve been one of the top teams year in and year out,” DiPietro said. “We’re going to get challenged with both our non-league schedule and our league schedule.

We just hope that we’re playing our best lacrosse in May.”

South Side off finals appearance The South Side girls’ team

has unfinished business remaining from last year’s campaign. The Cyclones reached the Nassau Class B title game last season, and there’s a lot of positive tenets that should carry over.

“Last year we went to the county final which was a big step for us as it was the first time we ever got there,” coach Rob Devlin said. “I think the girls learned a lot from being there and with the returning people we have hopefully that experience carries over.”

The team has a plethora of talent returning, with many of the girls already committed to play in college. Much of teams’ returning talent and committed personnel resides in the midfield, which is an overwhelming strength. Seniors Emily Iacobellis, Maggie Long, and Mia Delmond will lead what should be a stacked midfield group. Iacobellis is committed to Cornell, Long is committed to the University of Pittsburgh, and Delmond is committed to Quinnipiac.

Defensively, the team should also be stout. Ciara Giannone is committed to play at Albany and should be a star in the back half.

Senior Morgan Harloff is also “very impressive defensively” according to coach Devlin. Senior Emma Madden should also be important.

The last line of defense, senior goaltender Mackenzie Creagh, is impressive in her own right, represented by her commitment to Holy Cross.

The attacking front is inexperienced and young but could be a nice surprise. Sophomore attackers Caitlin Haggerty and Avery Testa didn’t get a lot of playing time last season but according to Devlin “should get more this year and should be impressive.”

Considering the immense success of the last year’s squad, and the amount of talent returning, the main goal for this year is clearly defined.

As Devlin stated, “Our focus is to get back to that county final

Mackenzie Creagh

game and try to get over that hump.”

Conference Schedules BOYS

April 6 9 12 26 29

Wantagh @ Plainedge Floral Park Manhasset Island Trees

4 7 10 12 18

Bethpage 6:00 p.m. @ Malv/East Rock. 10:00 a.m. @ Seaford 4:30 p.m. @ C.S. Harbor 7:00 p.m. @ Lynbrook 4:45 p.m.

May

March

6:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

5:00 p.m.

6:00 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

GIRLS

28 31

Syosset @ Massapequa

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

4 9 13 25 28

Garden City @ Long Beach C.S. Harbor @ Manhasset @ Wantagh

5:00 p.m.

11:00 a.m.

6:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

3 5

Plainedge @ North Shore

4:30 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

April

May

Photos by Neil Miller

42 — April 14, 2022

HIGH SCHOOL LACROSSE PREVIEW

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2022 HERALD High School Lacrosse Preview

VALLEY STREAM Playoffs a goal for Valley Stream

By TONY BELLISSIMO

P

seniors Vincent Balsamo and James Barkoukis are both thirdyear starting defenders who will be counted on to log major minutes along with sophomore Mohammed Daffalla from Central.

“Nothing will come easy and we have to play smart,” Antoniou said.

utting the ball in the back of the net wasn’t a problem for Valley Stream District boys’ lacrosse last spring, but keeping opponents from doing the same was the biggest reason it finished 5-10 overall.

Coach Matt Antoniou’s Valley Stream on offense doesn’t have as much successful run experience this time around, but Hovering at or near the top he feels it can consistently reach of its conference has become the the scoreboard barring turnovers. norm for Valley Stream’s girls’ He was encouraged by a seasonlacrosse program, which opening 9-6 win over finished first in 2018 and Lawrence that saw five within striking distance different goal scorers. in each of the past two “We’re looking for a seasons. playoff spot and that hasn’t happened here in a long time,” Antoniou said. “COVID really hurt our program. We’ve got 33 kids between the varsity and JV. I’m working hard to get a PAL program off the ground and hopefully it’s going to happen as soon as this year. It’s vital to the success at the high school level.”

Senior Aldean Sarmiento (Valley Stream North) is a fourthyear varsity performer who isn’t expected to come off the field. He can play anywhere but will mostly be counted on to make things happen on offense. He had a hat trick in the opener. “If we get an All-County award, he’ll be the one,” Antoniou said. “He’s tough and leads by example.”

Colin McAleer, another North senior, had a strong finish last spring and is another key to the attack. North senior Joe G has converted to long pole midfielder and found his niche, the coach said. He’ll spark the transition game along with junior midfielder Robert Munafo (South.)

Aldean Sarmiento In the defensive zone, senior goaltender Jack Delcarpine (North) comes off an All-Conference campaign. “He saw a lot of shots and did a great job keeping us in games,” Antoniou said. North

Last year’s squad went 7-2-1, but coach Jessica Ricotta is faced with the task of a roster overhaul after losing 11 to graduation.

“Our goal is to maintain our run of finishing in the top three,” she said. “Our numbers are strong. We have 22 on varsity and even more on JV. It’s a young group compared to last season but I think we can have another solid season.”

Ricotta said playing on the new turf at Memorial Junior High has made a huge impact for the program. Her team made its debut on the field for the 2019 finale and didn’t lose a home game last spring, winning four and battling Glen Cove to a 10-10 draw.

Ricotta is leaning on senior goaltender Layla Santana (Central), junior midfielder Kamryn VanEtten (South) and junior defender Alyssa Farrell (North) to lead the way this spring.

Santana is a third-year starter between the pipes whose skills keep improving by the day, the coach said. “Layla can clear the ball beyond midfield and is always looking to better herself,” Ricotta said.

VanEtten is the team’s top returning scorer and will handle the majority of draws. She had a hat trick in the opener, a 7-6 win over Malverne/East Rockaway. “She’s a strong and accurate shooter who has taken on a leadership role,” Ricotta said.

Farrell is the team’s go-to defender and a strong voice in the back, the coach noted. Seniors Ariana Velez (South), Sierra Harris (South) and Lindsay Guerra (Central) are also key parts of the defense.

North juniors Reilly Daly, Olivia Muscatelli and Gabrielle DiCostanzo all scored in the opener and start on attack or in the midfield.

Kamryn VanEtten

Conference Schedules April

BOYS

19 28 30

@ Freeport Plainview @ Hicksville

4 6 11 14 19

East Meadow 4:45 p.m. @ Port Washington 4:45 p.m.

Hempstead 4:30 p.m. @ Uniondale 10:00 a.m.

Massapequa 4:45 p.m.

May

March

10:30 a.m.

4:45 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

GIRLS

25 30

@ Malv/East Rock.

Great Neck North

2 5 8 12 27 29

@ Roosevelt Sewanhaka @ Elmont Hempstead Glen Cove Freeport

2 6

@ West Hempstead 4:45 p.m. @ Great Neck South 4:15 p.m.

April

May

4:30 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

Photos by Donovan Berthoud

44 — April 14, 2022

HIGH SCHOOL LACROSSE PREVIEW

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

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2022 HERALD High School Lacrosse Preview

WANTAGH

Warriors seek return to form

By ANDREW COEN

this team can do.”

Wantagh returns All-County attackman Tyler Martini, who Polo describes as a “physical specimen” ast year produced a rare losing season for a Wantagh with his athleticism and size. Martini scored five goals in last year’s boys’ lacrosse team and playoff loss to Locust Valley. fourth-year coach James Polo The Warriors will regain the is determined to return the services of senior midfielder Sean winning ways to a program that Carlo, a Stony Brook commit who traditionally competes for county missed last season after suffering an championships.

The Warriors never were able ACL injury during football. He was selected by teammates for the tradito hit their stride during a 2-10 tional honor of wearing number 22 truncated season due to the COVID-19 pandemic where a number in memory of former Warrior Scott DeVerna, who died in 1999. of players joined late because of Reigning All-Conference overlap with spring football. Half of Wantagh’s losses were decided by junior attackman Anthony Tsakos three goals or less including a 15- and senior LIU-bound midfielder Mark Maniet provide additional 13 defeat to Locust Valley in the first round of the Class C playoffs. offensive firepower for Wantagh aliong with All-Conference sopho“We just never got the mojo going last season,” Polo said. “Last more faceoff specialist William year definitely doesn’t dictate what Greaves.

Wantagh brings back key defensive starters from last year in senior Stephen Mendolia, a SUNY Geneseo commit and junior Noah Corwin. Senior Cavit Ireland, who played on defense last year while also serving as the backup goalie, is slated to start in net this spring.

L

Tyler Martini

business.”

A senior-laden Warriors team fell 9-8 to Manhasset in the Class C finals, but plenty of talent returns led by reigning All-American midfielder Madison Taylor. The Warriors graduated eight starters from last year’s team that went 12-4 while facing one of the nation’s most grueling schedules.

“The girls are hungry,” said fourth-year coach Robyn Rooney.

“We want to raise that championship banner in June.”

Taylor’s historic 2021 season included 56 goals, 28 assists, 113 draw controls, 30 caused turnovers and 58 groundballs. Rooney said Taylor is the best pure athlete she has ever coached with leadership abilities making her an even bigger force.

In addition to Taylor, Wantagh also features offensive threats in junior attackers already committed to colleges in Eva Ingrilli (UNC) and Madison Alaimo (Virginia).

Rooney said Erin Whitaker, Olivia Nicholson, Riley Forthofer, Juliana Cerasi and Julia Nicholson are also capable scorers.

Wantagh will have a whole new close defense this season after graduating all starters from last year’s unit that held teams to 10 goals or fewer in 11 games.

Sophomore Bridget Smith will be a key catalyst of the defense after The Warriors were earning some varsity experience as a freshman with two starts. Kat seeded sixth in ConferGullian, Nicole Baudo and Paige ence C/D, which Polo said Martin and will also be part of the serves as an extra motivator. defensive effort.

“With this group I think they Junior goalies Nicole Schaumcan do whatever they put their mind to,” Polo said, “We’re seeing loff and Lauren Rochel both return after splitting time in the cage last them buy into the system now.’ season.

The Warriors will once again Sky’s the limit tackle one of the toughest regular for Wantagh season schedules in the country with five teams in the nation’s After ending last season preseason top 25 rankings, which just short of a county title, the Rooney hopes will serve as solid returning Wantagh girls lacrosse team seniors designed a logo with preparation for a deep postseason run capped by a championship. the phrase, “We have unfinished

Eva Ingrilli

Conference Schedules April

BOYS

1 6 9 23 27 29

Lynbrook @ South Side C.S. Harbor Wheatley @ Plainedge @ Hewlett

4:45 p.m.

6:00 p.m.

11:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

5:00 p.m.

5:15 p.m.

4 7 10 13 18

Seaford Mineola @ Manhasset North Shore @ Bethpage

4:45 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

May

March

GIRLS

28 31

@ North Shore Syosset

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

4 9 13 25 28

Kennedy @ Seaford Long Beach @ C.S. Harbor South Side

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

3 5

@ Manhasset @ Plainedge

5:00 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

April

May

Photos by Neil Miller

46 — April 14, 2022

HIGH SCHOOL LACROSSE PREVIEW

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

2022 HERALD High School Lacrosse Preview

WEST HEMPSTEAD Rams bank on experience factor

By TONY BELLISSIMO

N

umbers are slightly up for West Hempstead’s boys’ lacrosse program and coach Mike Paul is hoping so will the victory celebrations.

The Rams, who fielded a roster of 13 in 2021, had just one win with an inexperienced group.

“Most of the team is returning and the skills are building,” Paul noted. “Last year we hung around in most games for a while, but we had a tough time keeping up with opponents running multiple midfields. I think we’ll be better with experience and have more success.”

Paul said all 16 members of this year’s squad will see plenty

of playing time and contribute.

The Rams have returning starters in all areas of the field, starting in the back with junior goaltender Dan Clark and senior defenders Jourdan Mitchell and Tory Marshall.

Paul is looking for Clark to step up and be more vocal and guide the defense. “With the experience he gained last season, he should be able to handle it,” Paul said of Clark, who made 77 saves in 10 games. “He has quick hands and quick feet and I’m seeing nice growth in his game,” he added.

Mitchell and Marshall, along with junior Michael Abioun, bring size, an aggressive style, and the ability to force turnovers and win groundball battles in the back, Paul said. Mitchell is a three-sport athlete who’ll slide toward the biggest opposing scoring threat in the zone defense system. Marshall is a mobile lefty who like Mitchell can ignite the transition game. Abioun

just picked up the sport last spring and continues to make strides.

Senior Timothy Holung spearheads a midfield that includes sophomores Juan Gutierrez and Gavin Lee. Holung is offensive minded, fast and hustles all over the field. Gutierrez, who will handle draws, and Lee, are up from JV. The attack features juniors Brendan Close, a lefty with a heavy shot, and Walter Ruiz.

West Hempstead relies on core group West Hempstead enjoyed a winning 2021 season with a roster full of sophomores and freshmen who with a year of varsity lacrosse

Timothy Holung

under their belts will look to keep the Rams pointed in the right direction.

“We have a core unit that has some experience together and got a taste of success,” coach Suzanne Kenney said. “We’re young and athletic in the midfield and attack, and we’re learning a lot on defense because that’s where we lost some kids.

“We’re playing most of the same opponents and I’m expecting close, competitive games,” she added.

The Rams, who finished 6-5 last spring, will tangle with Elmont, Freeport, Glen Cove, Great Neck North, Great Neck South, Hempstead, Malverne/East Rockaway, Roosevelt, Sewanhaka and Valley Stream in Conference V. West Hempstead’s roster features a couple of club lacrosse players. Junior midfielder Gianna Cardillo was unstoppable at times a year ago and finished with 38 goals, including 10 in a single game. And eighth-grader Elizabeth Poirot, who’s about to embark on her first varsity campaign, has stood out in camp, Kenney said, and will be paired with senior 18-goal scorer and accurate passer Mackenzie Cates “We count on Gianna to do a little bit of everything,” Kenney said. “She’s strong at both ends of the field and really attacks the cage on offense.”

Sophomore Ivana Jiminez is no stranger to finding the back of the net either. The speedy midfielder scored 29 goals and has a similar skill set to Cardillo’s, the coach said.

On the defensive side, junior goaltender Glenda Garcia is a returning starter who made more than 100 saves while

Gianna Cardillo

playing all 11 games last season.

“She’s gritty and composed and doesn’t let giving up a goal bother her,” Kenney said.

Senior Katherine Andree is the most experienced defender and the vocal leader in the back. She’s joined by senior Ileen Cruz, who plays with tenacity.

Conference Schedules BOYS

April 6 8 12 19 26 28

Hewlett Clarke Locust Valley Malv/East Rock. @ Mineola @ Wheatley

5:15 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

5:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

May 6 10 13 18

@ Lawrence @ Oyster Bay @ Friends Academy Division

GIRLS

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

March 25 @ Great Neck North 5:00 p.m.

30 Great Neck South 5:00 p.m.

April 2 5 7 8 25 27

@ Sewanhaka Malv/East Rock.

Roosevelt @ Hempstead @ Glen Cove Elmont

10:00 a.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

7:15 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

May 2 6

Valley Stream @ Freeport

4:45 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

Photos by Eric Dunetz

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HIGH SCHOOL LACROSSE PREVIEW

April 14, 2022 — 47

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48 — April 14, 2022

HIGH SCHOOL LACROSSE PREVIEW

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