Clarke Rams

from Lacrosse Preview 04-14-2022

by Richner Communications, Inc

West Hempstead Rams

CLARKE

Rams pumped for new turf field

By TONY BELLISSIMO

Though 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 fi eld. “We played a few seasons on the turf at the Boces fi eld but this is a big difference,” Rams coach Joe Hasbrouck said. “It’s a beautiful fi eld 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 midfi elder 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 midfi eld and attack. Cobham, who fi nished 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

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 midfi elders. The Rams are part of a returning and the debut of its growing Nassau Class C. “We have a tough schedule “We played a few but there are winnable games,” Hasbrouck said. at the Boces fi eld but ence,” Rams coach Joe Hasbrouck said. “It’s a beautiful fi eld and gives the kids an extra spring in their “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 midfi elder 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 midfi eld and attack. Cobham, who fi nished 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 growing Nassau Class C. “We have a tough schedule but there are winnable games,” Hasbrouck said.

Will Fulay

Clarke relying on versatile lineup versatile lineup

Versatility throughout the lineup and leadership from its fi ve 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 fi eld. 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 fi rst-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 fi eld vision, can contribute. “Practices are going very

lineup and leadership from its fi ve 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 our team had a soccer season on it already and it’ll smooth,” said Aragona, whose be nice for those who squad will tangle with Herricks, haven’t competed on it.” Jericho, Wheatley, Roslyn, New Hyde Park, Baldwin, Island Trees, Hicksville, Carey and Kennedy in Conference IV.

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 Schedules

April BOYS

6 @ Division 4:45 p.m. 8 @ West Hempstead 5:00 p.m. 12 Lawrence 4:30 p.m. 23 @ Malv/East Rock 10:00 a.m. 26 @ Locust Valley 4:45 p.m. 29 @ Floral Park 4:45 p.m.