Fresh start for West Hempstead

After enduring a winless season on the lacrosse field, West Hempstead entered the 2018 campaign with nowhere to go but up. The Rams fought and clawed last spring, and played in some nail biters, but couldn’t find a way to get in the win column.

With a senior-laded roster and numerous returning starters, there’s reason for optimism at West Hempstead. The Rams should be a much tougher opponent for Nassau Conference C foes. Among those the Rams will face are Island Trees, Friends Academy, Seaford, Malverne/East Rockaway, Clarke, Plainedge, and Lawrence.

If early season results are an indication of future performance, the team appears to be on the road to success. After dropping their opener to Uniondale, the Rams picked up their first win with a 12-7 victory at Elmont on March 27. Tim Shanley scored three goals and won 12 of 16 faceoffs to lead the way.

Michael Paul, in his fourth season as head coach, has realistic expectations for his team. “We have 11 returning seniors, and most were starters.” Paul said. “It’s a completely different atmosphere. We’re all super excited about getting the first win. If we continue to improve, I think we have the talent to compete for a playoff spot.”

Shanley leads a talented group of middies. The senior captain has become a solid all-around player. In addition to emerging as a tough faceoff man, Shanley runs the offense and calls out the defensive assignments. Left handed senior Aaron Benitez and junior Sean Plasencia are both capable of finding the back of the net. Benitez scored twice in the win over Elmont. Senior defensive wing Jonathan Alonzo is strong on ground balls, and good in transition.

The defense is led once again by senior Emerson Maldonado. The senior captain is a ground ball vacuum. He typically lines up against the opponent’s best attacker or middie. Senior Christino Maldonado is another steady defender who locks off well. Senior Dakota Maag returns in net for a third year. Maag registered double-digit save totals in each of the Rams first two games.

West Hempstead is diverse and experienced on attack. Senior captain Thomas Cardillo has excellent lacrosse IQ and a knack for finding the seams in the defense to put himself in scoring position. Senior X attackman Peter Schultz is a big, strong player who is tough to defend. He finishes well and does a nice job of finding open teammates. Junior Frankie Messina is a relentless attacker who like to get to the cage.

“It’s nice to have the same group back from last year,” Paul said. “I’m seeing steady improvement. And, we have a few guys who are injured who will help when they return. We have a lot more guys who are into lacrosse. I’m excited about seeing where we can take this.”

West Hempstead will play all of its games on the road as its new field is being constructed. The Rams travel to Hempstead on April 9 at 4:30 p.m.