BELCHERTOWN — Replacing the top three scorers from last season and getting an inexperienced defense ready — those are the challenges facing the Belchertown boys lacrosse team.
The Orioles lost 11 seniors to graduation after the 2015 season that saw them win a Suburban League championships and reach the Western Massachusetts Division 3 quarterfinals. The run ended with a 17-11 loss to Cathedral, which is now Pope Francis.
Belchertown returns seven seniors, and five starters.
“We need our current seniors and juniors to step up and fill those leadership roles,” Belchertown coach Patrick Nee said. “We have a long road ahead of us.”
Following a preseason scrimmage against West Springfield, the Orioles identified their defense and goaltending as the strengths of the team.
Senior goaltender Ryan McCarthy played well in the game. Belchertown lost, 6-4.
“We have a strong defense and we will rely on them through a long season,” Nee said. “We do have a weakness in mid-defense and transition but that gives us something to work on.”
Senior Jordan Henault and junior TJ Englert return from last year’s defense.
Facing the Terriers was a positive experience for Belchertown.
“West Side is an outstanding program,” Nee said. “Going against them gives you confidence that you can hold your own against most teams.”
The inexperience on the roster was apparent for Belchertown.
“Of my 33-player roster I only have 13 seniors and juniors,” Nee said. “We will be incorporating a sophomore group we hope we can bring up to speed quickly.”
On attack, Ben Magarian had 20 goals and 37 assists last season. The Orioles will look for similar offensive production from the senior. Magarian’s point totals have steadily increased since his freshman year.
There is a blossoming attack line for Belchertown consisting of sophomores Grant Irving, Nate Pacheco and Adam Wordsworth.
Jack Medina and Christian Assimus are the Orioles’ top midfielders.
“I have a great group of seniors,” Nee said. “I will rely on them this year.”
For the Orioles to reach the postseason, they will need newcomers play big roles early.
“They will mature into a core line for our team,” Nee said.
With a young team, the goal is to make the playoffs.
“It will be a difficult season seeing the league we play in,” Nee said.
WRIGHT STUFF — As a freshman Willy Wright scored in the third overtime to beat Northampton. A clutch moment for Wright.
Wright will look to build on his freshman year and help the Hurricanes.
“We are expecting a lot from Willy (Wright) this season,” Amherst coach Matt Crutch said.
Amherst Regional
COACH: Matt Crutch, ninth season
LEAGUE: Valley Wheel
LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 3-15, 0-8.
LAST TOURNAMENT APPEARANCE: Lost 13-3 to Longmeadow in 2013 Division 2 WMass semifinals
RETURNING STARTERS: Juniors — Liam Kelly, M; Brock King, D; Jovan Rivera, D; Marcus Suom, M; Jake Hibbard, G; Daniel Lyra, M.
RETURNING PLAYERS: Junior — Aidan Bass, A; Sophomores — Lee Borrell, D; Vance Cannella, M; Jonathan Cruz, A; Caleb Ferro, D; Myles Forrester, D; Marco Giavalisco, M; Josh Gerber-Dolan, M; Declan Gray-Mullins, A; Tate Rietkerk, M; Juan Ross-Perkis, D; Willy Wright, A; Tim Griffin, M.
NEWCOMERS: Freshmen — Will Borrell, A; Harry Delano, A; Sam Leonard, M; Dimitris Son, A.
OUTLOOK: The Hurricanes are don’t have any seniors on the roster so the next two seasons could see some growth. Bass, who was named a captain, is coming off major knee surgery. The Hurricanes will need his offensive capabilities. Wright is another offensive-minded midfielder for Amherst. Wright had 16 goals as a freshman, but only three as a sophomore. Hibbard does not have varsity experience in net, but could surprise this season after showing upper-echelon skills in practice so far this spring.
Belchertown
COACH: Patrick Nee, 2nd season
LEAGUE: Suburban
LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 15-4, 11-1
LAST TOURNAMENT APPEARANCE: Lost 17-11 to Cathedral in Central/West Division 3 quarterfinals
RETURNING STARTERS: Seniors — Jordan Henault, D; Ben Magarian, A; Ryan McCarthy, G; Christian Assimus, M; Jack Medina, M; Junior — TJ Englert, D.
RETURNING PLAYERS: Seniors — Evan Boulais, D; Kyle Mathurin, M; Andrew Mitera, D; Juniors — Kyle Greene, M; Max Mathurin, M; Sophomores — Aidan Lyons, A; Aaron Almeda, M; Jonathan Bechta, M; Josh Cox, D; Grant Irving, A; Nick Pikul, D; Mark Tharion, LSM; Adam Wordsworth, A; Jaxon Royal, M.
NEWCOMERS: Senior — Dylan Gillen, A; Junior — Andrson Miltz, M; Sophomore — Nate Pacheco; Freshmen — Josh Carey, M; Nathan Jaszek, G; Ben Laliberte, M; Anderson Miltz, M; Justin Pendrick, D; Ryan Potter, M; Zack Wrona, LSM; Joel Wycik, M.
OUTLOOK: There is a lack of experience on the Orioles’ roster but the returning starters are trying to fill that void. Magarian is the spark on offense while McCarthy’s steady play in net will play a vital role for the defense. Magarian had 20 goals and 37 assists last season. There are seven seniors on the roster. The defense, led by senior Englert, has looked good early. The unit allowed six goals in a scrimmage against West Springfield. Boulais and Mitera will be on defense for Belchertown.
Granby
COACH: Joe Denette, second season
LEAGUE: Suburban/Division 3
LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 5-10, 3-9
LAST TOURNAMENT APPEARANCE: None
RETURNING STARTERS: Seniors — Nick Albers, G; Jack Sarnacki, M; Tre Demers, M; Noah Bristol, M; Sawyer Mahan, A; Nick Roberts, A; Connor Griffin, D; Bailey Ortensi, A; Juniors — Ryan Bachand, M; Corey Hinkley, M; Brad Taft, D; Drew Wiesel, M; Collin Stearns, A; Sophomore — Phil Roberts, D/G.
RETURNING PLAYERS: Seniors — Anthony Gaj, D; Devin Kwisnek, M; Ryan Trembley, M; Junior — Clayton Yanosky, D; Sophomore — Alex Stevens, D.
NEWCOMERS: Freshmen — Ryan Shaw A/M; Luc Chauvin, A/M; Tanner Imelio, D; Eighth grade — Nate Drapeau, A; Christian Perez, M; Seventh grade — Kieran Moe, M.
OUTLOOK: The Rams started their program in 2014. After winning one game in its first season, Granby improved to five wins last year. The Rams have a strong core of seniors, led by Sarnacki. Behind the seniors is a large contingent of juniors, giving the Rams plenty of experience. Albers return in goal. Roberts led Granby with 32 goals last year. The Rams will look to continue their improvement as they seek their first winning season in program history. Connor Griffin and Drew Wiesel lead the defense.
Northampton
COACH: Matt Striebel, fifth season
LEAGUE: Valley League
LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 7-11, 4-4.
LAST TOURNAMENT APPEARANCE: Lost 7-6 to Tantasqua in 2014 Central/West Division 2 preliminary round
RETURNING STARTERS: Seniors — Bryce Wall, G; Ryan Wall, D; Jack Dibartolo, D; Duncan Peterson, M; Matt Hugget, A; Ian Shaw, M; Junior — Sam Ohotnicky, D; Sophomore — Tyler Allcroft, A.
RETURNING PLAYERS: Seniors — Kyle Luzzi-Dundon, M; Jasper Rhoads, A; Sophomores — Henry Attias, M; Henry Higgins, A/M; Jameson Miller, M; Evan Moulton, A.
NEWCOMERS: Seniors — Jimmy Durfer, A; Jacob Warren, D; Juniors — Jared Fowler, M; Ethan Gorman, M; Jared Leavens, D; Theo Ross, A/M; Griffin Shaw, D. Sophomores — Keanan Bradley, A/M; Alex Sylvester, M.
OUTLOOK: Hugget had 26 goals and 11 assists last season. Ryan Wall leads the defense while Bryce Wall is Hamp’s netminder. The midfield will boast athleticism from Ian Shaw and Attias. Defense will be the strength of Northampton. The Blue Devils will have a balanced attack on offense this season. With eight starters returning from last season, the Blue Devils are looking to win the Valley League.
South Hadley
COACH: Matt Benoit, seventh year
LEAGUE: Valley Wheel
LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 10-8, 2-6
LAST TOURNAMENT APPEARANCE: Lost 9-5 to Algonquin in 2015 Central/West Division 2 first round
RETURNING STARTERS: Seniors — Griffin Fitzell, M; Joe Allard, A; Nate Zayas, D; Juniors — Jason Fernandes, A; Shane Smith, A/M; Chris Blondek, D; Jack Dawson, D; Sophomores — Marcus Larrier, A; Matt Brandts, M; Stephen Stratton, M;
RETURNING PLAYERS: Senior — Pat Crotty, A; Junior — Sean O’Grady, M.
NEWCOMERS: Seniors — Kyle Condino, M; James Moriarty, M; Juniors — Nick Thibault, M; Dylan Kretchmar, M; Chris Paley, M; Corey Calkins, G; Sophomore — Michael Pratt, D; Freshmen — Ben Watkins, M; Hunter Borowski, M; Liam Dawson, M; Jaycee Rondeau, G.
OUTLOOK: Fitzell’s speed and quickness at midfield will be important for the Tigers. The senior has caused major problems for defenses in his career. As a junior he had 37 goals and 39 assists. As a sophomore, Fitzell had eight goals and 35 assists. He also has the ability to get back and assist the defense. Crotty returns to attack after missing last season with wrist surgery. Crotty had 14 goals and six assists in 2014. Calkins is the new goaltender for South Hadley. The defense is led by Zayas, Dawson and Blondek.
