Clarke's a work in progress

Breaking in a new goaltender and missing one of its top scorers has made for a challenging start for Clarke’s girls’ lacrosse team, which graduated 13 contributors from last year’s 5-win squad.

On top of a revamped roster, practicing indoors with limited gym space most of March has made things that much more difficult, coach Rick Aragona said. “We’ve been outside very few days,” he said. “We’re doing the best that we can. The girls work hard, that’s the most important thing. We’re loaded with sophomores and we’re going to get better.”

The Lady Rams (0-3) are looking to senior captains Elizabeth Silverman and Nicole Zappala to lead the way. Silverman takes the majority of draws from the center-midfield position and brings plenty of speed, stamina and stick skills. “She’s a leader with a great work ethic and sets the tone for us,” Aragona said of Silverman, who is planning to play at the collegiate level.

Zappala is an in-close defender who also gets some time in the midfield. “She has good footwork and field sense,” Aragona said. “She’s one of the top basketball players in the school and just a tremendous athlete.”

Zappala is the veteran of a defensive group featuring sophomores Melissa Martins, Emily Graziano and Gabby Sferezza. Martins started some games last spring. Senior Korinna Giamundo has made considerable improvement, the coach noted, and will spark the unit off the bench as she did in her first season playing in 2017.

Clarke’s unexpected void in goal was filled by senior Alessia Taraborelli, a former defender. “She doesn’t have a goaltending background but she’s working hard at it every day,” Aragona said. “It was a classy move for her to step up and volunteer for the benefit of the team.”

Senior midfielder Katherine Barahona had a goal in two of the first three games and Aragona believes it’s just a sign of bigger things to come. “There’s more polish in her game and it really shows,” he said. “She makes aggressive moves to the cage and is a major presence.”

Senior attack Natalia Reyes sets up office behind the net and is one of the team’s key playmakers. It’s her fifth varsity campaign. “Natalia makes things happen as a passer and shooter,” Aragona said. Senior Emily Schnapp is emerging in her second year and Alyssa Kozak, who scored twice in a loss to MacArthur, is already having an impact as one of 10 sophomores on the roster. Junior Amanda Seims, who scored more than 25 goals last spring, is sure to bolster the attack once she returns from injury. “It’s just a waiting game with Amanda,” Aragona said. “Hopefully she’s back soon.”

Sophomore Graceann Murphy is a talented three-sport athlete who can contribute anywhere on the field, the coach said. “We rely on her a lot,” Aragona said. “She’s a fun athlete to watch and she has fun out there.”

Eight of Clarke’s 12 games are on the road, including a trip to Mepham on April 12, for a 4:45 p.m. faceoff.