Carey splits playoff matchups

When you play in a conference that includes perennial powers Garden City and Manhasset, and solid teams like Hewlett, Wantagh, and South Side, success on the Nassau boys’ lacrosse field isn’t always measured by wins. 

Carey not only plays in one of the state’s toughest leagues, it doesn’t duck anyone when it comes to its non-league schedule. Year-in, year-out, the Seahawks face off against the likes of Massapequa, Lynbrook, Farmingdale, Bethpage and other strong programs.

The Seahawks picked up just five victories, this spring, but one was an 11-9 win over visiting New Hyde Park in the opening round of the Nassau Class A playoffs. Bryan Gallant and Matt Stevens each found the back of the cage three times to lead No. 7 Carey. C.J. Carrick led New Hyde Park with three goals and an assist.

Carey’s season came to an end when it was humbled by No. 2 Garden City in the quarterfinal round. Junior goalie Joseph Tortorella had eight saves in a losing effort.

Carey head coach Tom Aiello knew it wouldn’t be easy in 2017. “We knew every game would be a challenge,” Aiello said. “There are no easy ones on the schedule. We schedule tough non-league games, because facing teams like that make you better. We played very well at times, and competed with teams like Massapequa and Farmingdale. Overall, we battled pretty hard.”

Despite often being shadowed, senior Dominic Scorcia, who earned All-County honors for the second straight season, scored 39 goals and picked up 25 assists. The Mercy College-bound attacker had a career-high 11 goals to lead the Seahawks to an 18-12 victory when the team met New Hyde Park during league play. Carey trailed 9-3 early in the game.

“Dom is going to be a terrific player in college,” Aiello said. “He’s highly skilled, dodges real well, and he has excellent lacrosse IQ.  Dom had a great four seasons for us. He is part of a strong recruiting class at Mercy. They’re getting a great player.”

After a 20-goal season as a sophomore, Stevens had 21 goals and 15 assists, earning All-Conference recognition. Stevens, who had a seven-point game against New Hyde Park, will be one of the team’s go-to players as a senior. 

With a young defensive unit playing in front of him, Tortorella faced a slew of shots. The Honorable Mention All-County honoree registered double digits in saves in a dozen games, including a season-high 16 in a win over Lynbrook.

Gallant, Matt Scarry, and Joe Sciacca all earned All-Conference honors. Gallant, who battled injuries each of the past two seasons, picked up 14 goals. Scarry finished with 20 goals, including three-goal efforts in games against Floral Park, South Side and Mepham. Sciacca added eight goals and 10 assists.

“We’ll be young next season, but have Stevens, Tortorella and Alex Lake returning,” Aiello said. “This was a nice group to coach. We’ll miss the seniors.”