Carey has plenty of promise

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After dropping its first two games of 2013, Carey’s boys’ lacrosse team got in the win column with a convincing 8-3 road victory over Hicksville. Junior midfielder Ray Catapano scored three goals, and junior Matt Robison and sophomore Tom Mayer each scored a pair of goals. Senior goalie Nick Fasano turned aside nine shots to earn the win.

Seahawks head coach Tom Aiello likes the makeup of his team. “There are only five or six seniors on the roster, so we’re a very young team,” Aiello said. “We have a lot of sophomores, but they’re athletic, fast, and very coachable. The non-league schedule is going to be pretty tough, but I think it will prepare us for the regular season. I’m very excited about this team.”

Among those the Seahawks will tangle with in Nassau Conference B-II are perennial power Garden City, county runner-up Wantagh, Long Beach, Mepham, Calhoun and South Side. Wantagh knocked Carey out of the playoffs in the quarterfinal round in 2012 on its way to the conference final. The top eight teams in the conference will earn playoff berths.

While the Seahawks are young all over the field, a cagey veteran gives Carey experience in net. Fasano, a three-year starter and an All-Conference honoree as a junior, is an excellent ball-stopper who is stronger and more fit than he’s been in the past. He was stellar in last year’s playoff win over Hewlett in the first round.

Defense should be one of Carey’s strengths. Senior Matt Lucito leads an athletic defensive unit that should be formidable. Lucito in joined by a trio of big, talented sophomores; Kieran Murchie, Tommy Gallant, and Jorge Cerquera. Aiello says he has more size and range on defense than he’s ever had in the past.

The Seahawks are incredibly fast at midfield. Catapano, junior Dylan DeMeo and sophomore Mike De Leo can run all day, and all see the field well. Demeo had a pair of assists in the win over Hicksville, while De Leo added a goal and three helpers. De Leo also had a pair of tallies in a 6-5 overtime loss to Oceanside. Seniors Kyle Dudine and Mike Walker will both contribute at midfield.

At attack, Robison, an All-Conference recipient as a sophomore, Mayer, and sophomore Nick Spillane can find the back of the net. Robison’s ability to play both midfield and attack gives the Seahawks added versatility. Spillane, who picked up All-County honors as a freshman, could be Carey’s most talented player. Sophomore Brett Campos plays a key role as a faceoff specialist.

Aiello is hopeful his team will be playing its best lacrosse when it matters most. “We’ve had some injuries in the early going, and haven’t hit our stride yet,” Aiello said. “The idea is to get better as the season goes along, and be at our best when the playoffs come around.”

Carey travels to Farmingdale to take on the Dalers in a non-league contest this Friday at 7 p.m.