New Canaan Country School Boys’ Lacrosse Go Undefeated

From New Canaan Country School: New Canaan Country School boys’ varsity lacrosse delivered their second consecutive undefeated season with a 12-0 final record. The team, consisting of Upper School students (grades 7, 8 and 9), netted 116 goals versus just 39 allowed.

“I have been impressed with this team’s ability to come together as a united front and deliver some truly high-caliber lacrosse,” said Upper School Teacher and Head Coach Charles Khuen. “We had leaders on both sides of the ball who rallied us when we needed to refocus.”

The team was led by ninth grade captains Carter Alvord, Alex Byrne, Owen Collins and Jeffrey Ricciardelli. Face-off specialist, Owen Collins, helped control possession time and added strength and speed in the midfield, while Alex Byrne’s quick feet and positioning anchored the defense. Eighth grade goalie Thomas Ricciardelli exhibited net-tending skills more commonly seen at the college level. Jeffrey Ricciardelli was the go-to player on offense, averaging close to five goals per game.

Highlights of the season included a championship win at the 2018 Lacrosse Invitational Tournament and back-to-back, hard-fought wins against perennial rival Brunswick School. The tension was palpable when, in the final game of the season, the Bruins from Greenwich led 3-0 at the half. The Cougars found their strength from within, clawing their way back with six unanswered goals for the victory.

“It has been a fun ride with some shared memories which will not be soon forgotten. I am so proud of this team!” said Coach Khuen.

Members of the team included (front row, from left to right) Will Johnson of Darien, Jackson Alpaugh of Darien, Charlie Gaynor of Bedford, NY, Cody Comyns of New Canaan, Owen Collins of Darien, Jeffrey Ricciardelli of New Canaan, Rett Zeigler of Rowayton, Walker Blair of New Canaan, Carter Spain of New Canaan, (top row, left to right) Assistant Coach Mr. Furbee, Nick Lancaster of Darien, Peter Diorio of West Redding, Ram Perez of Norwalk, Alex Byrne of Darien, Carter Alvord of New Canaan, Alex Sotirhos of New Canaan, Tyler Galante of Darien, Thomas Ricciardelli of New Canaan, James Kontulis of New Canaan, Assistant Coach Mr. Johnson and Head Coach Mr. Khuen.

New Canaan Country School is a co-ed, independent day school for students in Pre-K (ages 3 & 4) through Grade 9. Located on a 75-acre campus in New Canaan, the school provides transportation to families living throughout Fairfield and Westchester counties. For more information about the school, please visit www.countryschool.net or for the school’s athletic program, please visit www.countryschool/athletics.

Photo credit: New Canaan Country School

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