A Nassau Class B quarterfinal loss last season had rankled the Calhoun boys’ lacrosse team. So much so, said Colts coach Jim Femminella, that the club took it out on its early non-league foes this year to the tune of a 6-0 tear to start the season.
Meanwhile, the Colts’ Conference B-1 rival Garden City was compiling its own four-win run, so that when the teams met on April 4 it was a battle of unbeatens as Calhoun opened league play at home.
The Trojans emerged with their streak intact, as Calhoun fell 11-2 to land at 6-1 overall, 0-1 in league. Despite the setback against one of the best programs in the state, the Colts’ torrid start has been the best of Femminella’s nine-year tenure, and the coach – whose team returned seven starters – made a case for believing his squad can follow up on its eye-catching opening act.
“This could go down as one of the strongest teams we’ve had,” Femminella said. “It’s not only the talent we have, but the depth. At every position the athleticism’s been upgraded, and there’s guys off the bench trying to earn playing time, keeping the starters on their toes. This team wants to be a county contender.”
One Colts starter whose job seems secure is Honorable Mention All-American attackman Nick Turrini. The senior Army West Point commit, who led Nassau with 56 goals last season, is tied for second in B-1 with 29 points, and is two goals off the conference lead with 18. “Nick’s the heart and soul of our offense,” Femminella said. “He’s our go-to guy.”