Boys and Girls Lacrosse preview: spring 2022 season

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Yahir Collado

Gloucester boy’s lacrosse pictured holding up their sticks after first day of tryout’s

YAHIR COLLADO, Sports Writer

Boys Lacrosse

After a 5-10 record last year, boys lacrosse brings in new light with most of their team returning and a new head coach. Most if not all of last year’s defense is returning with seniors Ryan Frates, Aidan Donald, and Jason McNiff. PJ Zappa, Robert Schuster and many other upperclassmen are returning on the attack side. Senior goaltender Daniel Beaton is also returning since he decided to wrestle last year instead of opting for lacrosse. He will battle alongside last year’s varsity goaltender sophomore Ethan Mahoney.

Last year’s captain Zappa spoke about the new season. 

“Looking forward to new coach Kennedy,” Zappa said. “Pretty young team so I’m looking forward to seeing what we can do.”

About Coach K:

Gloucester’s new head coach Geoffrey Kennedy brings in an offensive minded approach. He is currently the all-time leading point scorer for Gloucester High and he is 15th in points at Saint Anselm. He started playing lacrosse in 6th grade and loved its fast pace unlike baseball. Kennedy models his play after Max Quinzani, as he is small and fast. Kennedy holds Gloucester close to his heart and wants to put Gloucester’s lacrosse team on the map. 

“Since it is a new team in a new position, I want to give a fresh start,” Kennedy said. “It’s nice for the students to have something to look forward to after school.”

Girls lacrosse

After a lower than .500 season, the Girls Lacrosse team also looks forward to a new start this year. Some returning players include captains Faith Brown, Zoe Hedges, and Sophia Costa.  Brooke McNiff, S. Costa, and Ella Costa are all returning high scorers. Their new head coach is Neil Costa. It is expected that Ella Zindle will be back in net. 

Brown commented about the upcoming season and her expectations.

“I expect to have our main goal simply be growth,” Brown said. “We have a lot of new players, as well as some more experienced players and I hope by the end of the season we progress and show improvement in our skills. I expect well thought out game plans that can be practiced and executed thoroughly along with a strong team bond.”

About Coach Costa:

Coach Costa moved to Gloucester over 20 years ago. He has two children E.Costa (Sophomore) and Finn Costa (Seventh grade). He began coaching girls lacrosse for the Cape Ann Youth Lacrosse team.