Balanced attack leads Mepham

Mepham’s first week on the lacrosse field was a successful one, capped by a 12-8 victory over Great Neck North on March 27. Senior attack Chris Vento, the quarterback of the offense, lived up to that billing, setting up seven of the Pirates scores (he has 12 assists in the last two games) and adding one more of his own.

“We’ve got a good blend of guys from freshmen right up to the seniors,” coach James Koester said of his team that started 2-1 in nonconference games.

Not only were Vento’s passes on point, he spread the wealth around. Five different players scored two goals, including senior Anthony Vicario, whose pair increased his season total to eight after just three games. “He’s more of a finisher,” Koester said, noting the contrast with the passing prowess of Vento.

Junior midfielder Mike Gilroy, one of the team’s most well-rounded players, also has quick moves in the offensive zone. He scored a pair and also added an assist, helping Mepham jump out to an 8-4 edge at halftime.

Of the Pirates that didn’t show up in the boxscore, senior co-captain Dom Raheb is one that still manages to have a big impact on the game. After spending the offseason working specifically on faceoffs, Raheb has started the season bent on giving Mepham every possession possible. He controlled faceoffs in the team’s first win, an 8-2 win over West Hempstead on Mar. 24 and also had a strong showing in a season-opening 12-4 loss to Seaford on Mar. 20. “His faceoff training is paying off,” Koester said. “He won almost every draw against West Hempstead. He’s a great example of someone who went out and worked on [a skill] he wanted [to develop]. He’s been excellent. We need the ball and can’t force it in the crease, so we have to maintain possession.”

Joining Gilroy at midfield is senior Chris Durkin, a co-captain that not only handles the defensive responsibilities at the positions but can also get out in transition and help the Pirates fight off man-down situations.

The defense is an area with plenty of new faces, including freshman Billy Moutafis, who has demonstrated excellent stick work. Sophomore Colin Vandewater and juniors Adam Green, Jeff Kaplan and Peter Motley are also part of a defensive unit that Koester hopes to rotate depending on matchups. The veterans are seniors Tom Danz and Tim Cardace with Harrison Dorcilien carrying one of the long poles. “We don’t know who’s going to end up being our most consistent [defensemen],” Koester said. “But we are deep at the position. Collectively we have to play team defense.”

Koester has split the goalie duties up between senior Alex Schulman and junior John Rooney. Each played a half in the first three games. Rooney stopped seven shots in the win over Great Neck North and Schulman had a half dozen. “I think we’re somewhat of a balanced team in terms of our offense and defense,” Koester said after the Pirates were able to get a few games under their belt.