Promising start for Malverne/East Rockaway

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Coming off a respectable 7-8 campaign in 2013, there’s optimism on the boys’ lacrosse field for Malverne/East Rockaway. The team is off to a fast start, and is looking to have a season that takes the program to the next level. 

After a 7-5 victory over West Hempstead, Malverne/East Rockaway improved to 3-1 on the season. James Eacobacci scored a pair of goals and added three assists as Malverne/East Rockaway battled back from a 5-3 deficit. Senior A.J. Evans scored three goals.

First-year head coach Brian Redash, who is assisted by Eddie Parenteau, is excited about the challenge of a difficult schedule. “We’ve got teams like Cold Spring Harbor and Friends Academy coming up,” Redash said. “These are the type teams that will be a test for us. In the past, we’ve taken our lumps and had trouble bouncing back. I’m looking forward to seeing how we play against some of the stronger programs.”

Eacobacci, a three-year starter, is a big part of the offense. The left-handed senior attacker dodges well, and has a knack for finding the back of the net. Eacobacci has 10 goals and five assists on the season.  

Evans has been a solid contributor at attack. Evans has six goals and a pair of assists. Sophomore Danny Fusco breaks down defenders as well as anyone. He’s solid behind the cage, and looks to put his teammates in position to score. 

Senior Joe Sheridan plays both attack and middie. Sheridan plays a physical game and does a nice job scooping up ground balls. Chris Hackett makes the offense go. The junior middie, a three-year varsity starter, does a great job at quarterbacking the offensive attack. Senior Andrew Torlincasi is excellent on face offs. 

Redash hopes to have junior middie Bryce Todd back from injury before the end of the season. Junior Dylan Crawford, a first-year varsity player, has stepped in and done a good job at midfield. Redash sees a ton of potential in freshman Connor Panzella. 

Senior Jack Lark leads the defense. Lark, who is generally assigned the opponent’s top attacker, is an aggressive player who does whatever it takes to get the job done. Junior Maxon Jean is a solid all-around athlete who brings tremendous energy, and is good in transition. Chris Hackett, a hard-working senior, rounds out a strong defensive unit. 

Junior Antonio Algarra has been impressive in the net for Malverne/East Rockaway. Algarra, who had a season-high 14 saves in a win over Lawrence, is a raw talent who sees the ball well. Algarra is averaging over 10 saves per game. 

Redash and his team are optimistic. “These guys don’t want to just play out the schedule; they want to be a playoff team,” Redash said. “We’re a little more experienced than we’ve been in the past. The guys are hungry, confident, and motivated to do well.”

Malverne/East Rockaway welcomes in Cold Spring Harbor at 4:30 p.m. this Friday at Malverne High School.