SOMERS, N.Y. - Last season, boys lacrosse met an abrupt end to their season in the semifinals of the sectionals, and the disappointment is not forgotten.
“Any time your season ends short, there’s a motivation factor,” said head coach Jordan Hirsch. But the difference for the Tusker is the direction.
“They’re looking at it from a point-forward perspective,” said Hirsch.
A new team with a new edge, the coach added, he started in goal - even though the position is still up in the air.
“We've got a really good competition going,” said Hirsch. “They’re all making our decision difficult.”
A good problem to have, according to Hirsch, the defense is in good hands.
“Coach Spillane has them really dialed in,” he said.
They include Bret Kennedy, Brendan Lyle, Tristan Wachtel and Logan Ruby. “Our returning defenders got significant playing time last year,” said Hirsch.
The defense has depth too.
“Some of our younger guys are putting pressure on the older guys, so all the defensemen are looking good,” said Hirsch.
In transition, Dean Palazzolo and Holden Brelesky are back at midfield. “We got a great rope unit with our defensive midfield,” said Hirsch.
Up the field, Miguel and Tristan Iglesias are returning to join forces on the attack with Ryan Brush and Cam Violante.
“They are all very hungry,” said the coach.
Scooping up the crumbs, Matt Mayfield is back on the draw, and all together, the end point is the same. “The goal is to get better every day and be in a position where, at the end, we’re playing well when it’s most important,” asserted Hirsch.
That helps when the roster is littered with a number of state champions. “The crossover between football and lacrosse is really strong,” said Hirsch.
An undeniable pedigree, the translation to the spring comes down to the daily nitty gritty. A strong work ethic leading the way, he concluded, “they know what it takes."
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