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
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