55.0°,
Partly Cloudy Big start for Malverne/East Rockaway
After a year that saw the Malverne/East Rockaway boys’ lacrosse team pick up just three wins, a senior-laden group is off to the program’s best start in years. With a 4-1 road win over Herricks, Malverne/East Rockaway improved to 5-1 in non-league play.
Senior midfielder Gerard Clayton scored twice and assisted on the other two goals, and senior Ian Reill registered nine saves. Bryce Todd and Demetri Vita each found the back of the net for Malverne/East Rockaway. The win capped off a perfect week for Malverne/ East Rockaway. In a 7-5 win over West Hempstead, Clayton had a hat trick and two helpers, and junior James Eacobacci had two goals and a pair of assists.
Malverne/East Rockaway pulled off one of the most dramatic victories in program history when it beat Island Trees 4-3 in triple overtime. Clayton’s unassisted goal with just a minute remaining in the third overtime was the difference. Reill had 14 saves in net.
Head coach Mike Whalen, who is assisted by Brian Redash, believes the team’s solid non-league performance has it prepared for league play. “There’s no doubt that winning has our confidence level up,” Whalen said. “We have a lot of guys with varsity experience who know what it takes to get it done. They’ve taken it upon themselves to improve, and it’s showing on the field. They’re very motivated to do well.”
Reill’s steady play in goal, and a solid defensive unit has been one of the keys to Malverne/East Rockaway’s success. Hard-working senior Adam Reicherter, a three-year varsity performer, is the leader of the group.
Joining Reicherter on the backline is the senior Jacob Leale. Whalen calls Leale one of the most improved players on the team. Senior Isaiah Matthews is a versatile player who will do anything it takes to get the job done. Whalen is impressed with the strength and disciplined play he’s getting from junior Jack Lark. Junior Kevin Blessington rounds out the unit.
