Mepham generating plenty of chances

Mepham’s quick start on the boys’ lacrosse field can be attributed to a developing offense that’s piled up 31 goals in four games. Six different players found the net in the Pirates most recent win, a 14-2 decision over Freeport on March 31, with sophomore Jack Gibbons (four goals), freshman Robbie Guglielmo (three) and junior Jon Olson (three) leading the way.

“The only thing I preach to them [on offense] is don’t worry about who gets the goal,” coach James Koester said. “If they play unselfishly and work for the highest percentage shot, I think we will do well as a team and they will do well individually.”

And as strong as the offense has been, it only figures to become even better — and deeper — with the recent return of senior midfielder Scott Mateyaschuk, debut of sophomore midfielder Matt Wroblewski and hopeful return of senior co-captain Isaac Lozada in a few weeks. Mateyaschuk saw his first action of the season against Freeport and made it count, scoring once in his one quarter on the field, while Wroblewski has all the makings of an all-around threat in his first season with the varsity team. “He’s ready to go,” Koester said of Wroblewski who was set to play his first game after presstime. “He’s an excellent dodger, can create his own shot and has great vision and stick skills.”

Several players stepped up at midfield during the opening four games, including junior Brendan Buehler, senior Tom Schneider and junior Anthony Carrieri, with the attack benefitting most from the playmaking abilities. Freshman Trevor Tsang scooped up several ground balls against the Red Devils and moved the ball well in his time on the field.

In Gibbons, a second-year varsity player, Olson and Guglielmo, the Prates attack boasts three intelligent, high-octane players that are sure to continue creating problems for opposing defenses. “This is probably as good an offense as I’ve had at Mepham,” Koester said.

Mepham’s defense is led by senior Colin Vandewater, a returning All-Conference player and co-captain, who hit the field this spring bigger and stronger. Sophomore Jake Fitzgerald is a sound positional defender, while senior Matt Campagna is a strong, physical presence as a close defender. Junior Billy Moutafis has developed into a top-notch long-pole middie with plenty of speed, while sophomore David Riobo is a defensive midfielder with some spark in his stick. He’s scored twice with four assists so far.

Senior Mike Azzariti’s strength is also on the defensive side of the midfield, but he, too, has a goal, in a season-opening 5-3 win over Herricks on March 19. Junior Dylan Parzych has earned the nickname “Human Clear” for his efforts in getting the ball out of Mepham’s end of the field. Sophomore Mike McCarthy has stepped in as the starting goalie after holding down the same position for the junior varsity team with junior Jack McCarthy also in the mix. 

“For me and this group, this team can be special,” Koester said, noting the talent that has developed across the field.