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.
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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
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