2022 HERALD High School Lacrosse Preview
MacARTHUR M Generals boast high expectations
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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
