Boys Lacrosse Looks to Make States

At the start of this spring's season, Livingston boys lacrosse head coach Patrick Crann knows his team can reverse last year's disappointing 4-13 season. Unlike then, when the Lancers missed the state playoffs, Crann is looking for the team to more than just qualify this year.

"I see us making a strong bid for the conference title," said Crann. "Our strength is definitely on defense. The offense is young but the most talented I have seen in three years at LHS.  In terms of  face-offs, we will be able to compete with most schools in the state."

The senior captains on the team are Mike D'Aloia, John Mandl and Jordan Suchoff.

Mandl, who was named to the second team All New Jersey last season and will play at Kean University next year, is one of the strongest players on the team and is used throughout the field, mainly midfield and defense.

"He does everything and is very versatile," said Crann.

One of the Lancers secret weapons is senior midfielder and three-year starter Mike D'Aloia, who will play at Widner University next season and proven ability to win face-offs.  Last year, he won 63 percent of the face-offs.  As a sophomore and junior, D'Aloia was named to the first team All Kanker Division and also second team in All Iron Hills.

"He's basically the heart and soul of our team and does everything between the lines," said Crann, who added that D'Aloia netted 40 points last season and was one of the team's better scorers. "He's a good scorer."

Jordan Suchoff, who was also named to All Kanker and All Iron Hills teams, is a top defender and easily takes on attackers.

"He's a very solid defender," said Crann.

Suchoff, who is leaning toward playing at Binghamton University (State University of New York) next season, leads a strong defensive corps that includes senior  Marc Zolchonick, who will be playing at Kean University next season, and junior Eric Kansky.  Both are returning defenders.

"I'm hoping that our defense will keep the ball out of our end," said Crann. "They will be asked to keep the pressure off."

Crann notes that it's a benefit to have a solid defense with an untested goalie in senior Josh Stone. Stone replaces graduated senior Aaron Kurtzer.  Crann noted, though, that Stone has been playing solid in the pre-season, as have all the Lancers.  Also seeing some time in goal will be sophomore Nathaniel "Goose" Liebes.  

D'Aloia leads the first line for the Lancers with junior midfielder Tyler D'Silva and sophomore midfielder Abe Choe.  Other help on the line comes from junior Andrew Lesser,  a three-year returning starter.  Sophomores Anthony D'Aloia, the brother of Mike, and Austin Liu also help out.

As for the competition, Crann is eyeing North Warren, the defending champions in the Klank Division, and Morristown as two of the toughest teams the Lancers will face.   But Crann believes that Livingston  "will be in the mix" for the league title.  

The team, though, has to get off to a good start, he said.  The Lancers open the season tonight away against Millburn at 7:30 p.m

Livingston Boys Lacrosse Schedule:

April 1        at Millburn, 7 p.m.
April 3        Westfield, 11 a.m.
April 5        at Morristown
April 7        Verona, 7 p.m.
April 10      at Morris Hills, 11 a.m.
April 13       New Providence
April 14       Hanover Park
April 17        Edison, 11 a.m.
April 19       at Old Bridge
April 22       Newark Academy
April 23       at Mount Olive
April 28       Morris Knolls
April 30      at Roxbury
May 6           North Warren
May 7           North Brunswick
May 10        St. Peters Prep, 7 p.m.
May 11         at West Orange