During the 2022 season, the boys varsity lacrosse team faced some tough competition. With a record of 2-7, the team had some hard losses against the Frederick Gunn School and Cheshire Academy.
That said, the team used their loss against Cheshire Academy to do something positive. “We made a turn as a team during our game against Cheshire Academy,” Head Coach Brett Garber said. “While we lost by two goals, they were a very good team, and we used that game to build on the second half of the season.”
After that game, the team had a great win against Hamden Hall Country Day School with a score of 14-3. This game showcased the team’s strong offense with senior attacker Co-captain Teddy Crowther scoring three goals and having two assists. Along with the team’s solid defense led by senior defender Co-captain Pat Schwab and senior midfielder Co-captain Cole Smith helping on defense as well.
The team has shown their hard work and talent not only in the Hamden Hall game, but also against the Wooster School, whom they defeated 12-7. This game highlighted the team’s freshman goalie Will Keegan who made some incredible saves. Additionally, players on offense scored seven goals and worked together to do so. The team is filled with players who have a good understanding of the game as well as a a positive attitude; they are also coachable.
However, the team’s main struggle is the lack of the players they have this year. “There isn’t a lack of talent, dedication, or effort on this roster, just the defense and the attackmen are playing full 60-minute games without any subs,” Schwab said. “The middies are being asked to play full offensive and defensive possessions back to back. It’s incredibly exhausting, especially with the amount of games we are playing.”
While a low number of players is extremely challenging, the team is focusing on being as competitive as possible and improving as a team. “We put a strong emphasis on competing during practice,” Coach Garber said. “Whether it’s offense or defense, we want to have the competitive mindset at all times no matter what part of the game.” Besides technical skills, the team works well together. “The team chemistry has been great and one of our strongest aspects,” Schwab added.
In addition to being competitive, Schwab described other goals. “Win above 50% of ground balls which we are succeeding in and to have man-up and man-down efficiency which we have both of,” he said. Coach Garber agreed. “Our primary objective is to get better every day at practice and in games,” he said.
With the season coming to a close, Coach Garber hopes the team can look back and say: “We stuck together all year long, never gave up, and had an incredible experience playing with each other,” he said. Schwab agreed.“I just want the team to finish the season strong with a positive attitude,” he said.
The team played their last game of the season at home against Wilbraham & Monson Academy on May 18. After a hard fight, they unfortunately fell short, losing 11-7.
