Playoffs a goal for Carey

Carey comes off a 2016 boys’ lacrosse season that saw the Seahawks get off to a slow start, rally to win seven of their last eight regular-season games to earn a postseason berth, and knock off Hewlett in the opening round of the playoffs. The Seahawks saw their season come to an end with a 6-4 loss to South Side in the Nassau Class B quarterfinals.

While Carey returns its top scorer, and has a senior-laden roster, a return trip to the playoffs is no sure thing. The Seahawks face an unforgiving schedule that includes the likes of perennial powers Garden City and Manhasset, and Wantagh, Bethpage, Hewlett, South Side, and Long Beach.

Things have been up and down for the Seahawks in the early going. After a dramatic double-overtime 9-8 victory over Lynbrook, a game in which the Owls held a 6-1 lead at the half, the Seahawks have dropped back-to-back games to Farmingdale and Floral Park.

Carey head coach Tom Aiello hopes his team’s hard work and perseverance will lead to another playoff bid. “The guys are playing hard and getting after it,” Aiello said. “They’re an athletic group, and the effort is there. Last year’s league schedule was real difficult, and this year the conference is even tougher. Nothing is going to come easy, but the team is determined to be successful.”

Senior Dominic Scorcia, an All-County honoree who has committed to play at Mercy College, is the team’s go-to player. Scorcia, who has gotten stronger over the past year, is a talented attacker with excellent stick skills and dodging ability. He scored over 40 goals and assisted on 20 others as a junior.

Lefthander attacker Matt Scarry is solid on ground balls, plays well away from the ball, and is dangerous in transition. Aiello is high on Matt Stevens. The junior attacker, who scored the game-winner at Lynbrook, had 20 goals as a sophomore.

Junior Joseph Tortorella returns in net. With a young, inexperienced defensive unit playing in front of him in 2016, Tortorella was peppered with shots. He looks much improved early in the season, Aiello said. Tortorella had 16 saves against Lynbrook.

The defensive unit comprises juniors Alex Lake and Rosaria D’Anna, seniors Tyler Bourne, Anthony Todaro, James Petrancosta, and eighth-grader Joe Todaro. Senior Joe Petrancosta handles the faceoffs for the Seahawks. Junior Barry Moore contributes at defensive middie.

Seniors Joe Sciacca, a talented dodger and shooter, and Bryan Gallant, a player who is healthy after struggling with injuries over the past two seasons, along with sophomore Pat McGrath are jelling at midfield for Carey. McGrath dodges well and shoots with terrific accuracy. 

Senior Mike Moriates and sophomore Matt Gaughan are a pair of fleet-footed middies who give Carey another element. Junior Aidan Murchie rounds out the second unit of midfielders.

The Seahawks are in action this Friday when they travel to Hewlett. Game time is 5:15 p.m.