57.0°,
Mostly Cloudy Seahawks crack win column
After starting the season with four consecutive losses, Carey’s boys’ lacrosse team got its first victory of 2012 with an 11-2 road decision at Mepham. Peter Nicholls had six goals and two assists to lead the Seahawks. Mike Locicero added three goals and three assists as Carey evened its conference record to 1-1.
Despite the rough start, Carey head coach Tom Aiello is optimistic about his team’s prospects for a good season. “We’re young, but we have a lot of athletes,” Aiello said. “We have more speed at midfield than we’ve ever had before, and hopefully we’ll be strong on attack. We played some very tough teams to start the year. They’ll be some growing pains.”
The growing pains were evidenced in the season opener. The Seahawks held a 7-1 lead over East Meadow, only to see the Jets rally back for a 12-8 win. Carey then lost consecutive games to Garden City, Massapequa, and South Side. Freshman Nick Spillane had three goals and a pair of assists in the loss to Massapequa.
One big reason for optimism is Locicero. The senior attackman is a three-year starter who dodges, feeds, and finishes with the best of them. Locicero recently signed on to play collegiately at Salisbury, the nine-time NCAA Division II champions.
Nicholls and Locicero will fill up the score sheet this spring for Carey. Spillane is also a big-time talent who should find the back of the net often. Junior Kyle Dudine and Chris Marino each hope to see time on attack for the Seahawks.
Tom Opitz is the only senior among a group of talented middies. Opitz had a pair of helpers in the win over Mepham. Sophomore Matt Robison and freshman Mike De Leo round out a solid group of midfielders. Sophomore Ray Catapano, and juniors Tom Bucci and Mike Walker should also contribute.
The Seahawks replaced their entire starting backline. Seniors Joe Larosa and Chris DeAlmeida are two veterans who saw a little time as juniors. Junior Marr Lucito, senior Vincent Pizzuto, and freshmen Tom Gallant and Kieran Murchie are hoping to jell into a strong defensive unit.
Aiello has high hopes for junior goalie Nick Fasano, an excellent stopper who clears the ball well. Fasano followed up a 12-save effort in the loss the Massapequa with consecutive 10-save performances against South Side and Mepham.
Aiello hopes the Seahawks will progress as the season goes along. “We’re looking to get a spot in the playoffs,” Aiello said. “If we can come together, and get better each game, we have a chance of having a pretty good season.”
Carey will host Great Neck South in a non-conference game on Thursday, April 12 at 11 a.m. Conference play resumes April 18 when Jericho visits for a 5 p.m. face-off.
