Defense sets tone for Baldwin

Finishing higher than where it was seeded is a goal for Baldwin’s boys’ lacrosse team this spring after it came within one victory of qualifying for the Nassau Class A playoffs in 2014. The Bruins are ranked seventh, and coach Rich Garguilo believes it’ll take a 6-4 record or better to make it happen.

“We’re looking to finish sixth or higher,” Garguilo said. “It’s been a tough go so far, but we’ll keep plugging away. We haven’t been out on the field as much as we’d like. We’ve played stiff competition by design. It’s important for the guys to prepare for what they’re going to face every three days when the conference schedule begins.”

Baldwin won one of five non-league games out of the gate, topping Division 7-6 on March 23 behind senior Jared Warner’s five points (four goals, one assist) and senior goaltender Thomas York’s 15 saves. Each of the Bruins’ defeats came against top-ranked teams, including defending Nassau Class B champion Lynbrook, and Half Hollow Hills West from Suffolk County.

Defense is where most of Baldwin’s experience can be found. Between the pipes, York earned All-County honors a year ago and has managed to pick up where he left off. “He was the best goalie in the conference last season in my opinion,” Garguilo said. “He’s a great athlete and competitor.”

All three of the starting in-close defenders are tough to solve one-one-one, Garguilo said. Senior Nick DeLuca, who enjoyed a tremendous football season, will play lacrosse at the  next level at New York Tech. He’s a physical defender who helps force turnovers. Senior Noel Smith directs traffic in the back and lets opponents “know he’s there,” the coach said. “He’s a smart player who communicates well,” Garguilo noted. Senior Connor Harper, who will play at Pace, is the enforcer of the group and brings good footwork and stick skills to the position.

In the midfield, the UPenn-bound Warner steers a deep ship. He’s got all the tools, Garguilo said, and will hardly come off the field. An Honorable Mention All-County choice, Warner will be used on man-up as well as man-down situations, and also take face-offs until senior Anthony Carreo returns from an injury.

Senior Dylan Darnulc is a scorer and leader who missed March due to injury. When healthy, he’ll help lead a midfield group that also includes seniors Christian Cummings, Matt Eberhart and Jesse Nolan, juniors Dan Polizzano (aka Louie) and Chris Baker, and freshman David Garcia. “We run a lot of midfielders,” Garguilo said.

On attack, senior Sam Ferguson is off to a fine start with seven goals and one assist through five games. He scored four times in a loss to South Side on March 24. “Sam has always been a strong finisher,” Garguilo said. “We wanted him a little bit to be more active going to the cage, and he’s met the challenge.” Sam’s younger brother, freshman Dylan Ferguson, scored twice against Lynbrook and will be a factor up front along with sophomore Dan Pulis.