Lynbrook in title-defense mode

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For the first time since 2000, Lynbrook is defending both Nassau County and Long Island boys’ lacrosse championships.

“We’ve got the target on our backs, but we’ll take it,” said coach Bill Leighley, who last spring guided the Owls to 19 victories, including the county final over Manhasset and the L.I. Class B title game over Rocky Point. “Repeating will be difficult,” he added. “There’s as much talent in Class B as there’s ever been.”

Lynbrook, which put together a 14-game winning streak last season, is ranked atop Conference B-II. The Owls lost a large portion of their scoring but return their entire back row, including reigning Nassau County Defender of the Year Eddie Bouhall and goaltender Brendan McDougal.

“Defense is where we have the most experience, but we expect to be pretty balanced,” Leighley said.

Bouhall, an All-American selection headed to Lehigh, has all the tools, Leighley said. “We’ll even use him in man-up situations,” Leighley said. “He’ll cover the other team’s best player, he’s extremely difficult to beat one-on-one, and he’ll create offensive opportunities for us.”

Juniors Zach Barrett, an Honorable Mention All-County recipient, and Quentin Hermann, an All-Conference choice, returned to the starting defense as well. Leighley said Barrett is “the whole package,” and Hermann “is always in the right position.” Sophomore Nick Paris comes off an All-Conference campaign as a long pole and is no stranger to tough assignments.

Cracking the defense still leaves opponents with the task of solving McDougal, who was instrumental in last year’s championship run with 15 saves against Manhasset and 13 against Rocky Point. The Honorable Mention All-County stopper is headed to Adelphi. “His run through the playoffs was spectacular,” Leighley said. “He thrived under the spotlight. He’s just a great kid, goalie and leader.”

Senior All-County attack Gordon Purdie will be one of the main offensive weapons responsible for providing McDougal with support. They’ll also be college teammates. Purdie had 51 goals and 15 assists in 2014, including two goals and an assist in the county final. “Gordon’s going to have an expanded role with the ball on his stick,” Leighley said. “He’s a four-year starter who’s smart and talented.” Juniors Zach LoCicero and Ryan Candel are additional keys to the attack. LoCicero, a lefty, has a quick release, while Candel, a righty, is a strong finisher in close.

Senior Owen Daly (24 goals, 15 assists) spearheads the midfield. He’s an outstanding two-way contributor who’ll take more than 90 percent of draws, Leighley said. He’s an All-County selection and headed to Stony Brook. “We’ll get as much out of Owen as we can,” Leighley noted. “He doesn’t wear down.”

Senior Michael Toy, who scored twice in the county final, looks to pick up where he left off and will see some action on attack but primarily work in the midfield. Senior Ian Kantor has earned a starting role in the midfield and brings speed and athleticism.