Spring Sports Preview: Fox Lane Boys Lacrosse

The team goal for the Fox Lane boys lacrosse program is to win a league championship. In order to turn around a 5-13 team, coach Chris Vazzano said it will start in practice.

"To be successful this season we must challenge and push each other every day in practice," Vazzano said. "We are trying to make the practices more or just as difficult as the games will be. We have to want to outwork everyone we play."

Last year there were positive signs. The Foxes defeated Suffern 4-3 in the regular season and beat Ossining 9-6 in the first round of the Section 1 tournament before losing to Greeley 5-3 in the quarterfinals.

The team's two double-digit scorers, Conor Morris and John Horner, both return for their third season on the varsity. Morris, a senior captain, led the team in goals (17) and assists (17) last year. He also plays just as good on defense as he does on offense, and excels at clearing the ball.

Horner, who was second on the team with 13 goals, is a 6-foot-2 dodger with a hard shot. They will be joined on the midfield by short stick Nick Grasso, who is smart and reliable on man-up and man-down situations.

The attack is led by a trio of juniors — George Lodge, Dylan Faitell and Joe Corsi — who each bring something unique to the field. Lodge has a hard shot and a variety of dodges, Faitell is a creative player and a skilled passer, and Corsi is a lefty who is great in the open field and can also play in the midfield. Lodge and Corsi are both three-year veterans.

The defense is led by senior captain Noah Hammer, a strong, physical player who also comes with three years of experience. Fellow defenseman Oliver Silzer, a junior, can handle the ball and sees the field well, and sophomore Anthony Gasso is a well-rounded defender who can play close or in the midfield. Grasso, who gained time as a freshman, has great stick skills and is also a physical player.

Juniors Sam Robinson, Graham Werner and Charlie Everett are also working well as a second midfield line, while goalie Cameron Stephens has great instincts in close and delivers strong outlet passes.

Vazzano is hoping that all the experience his team brings back can be a catalyst for a postseason run, but he's not looking ahead.

"To do that, we must take it one game at a time and play like it is going to be our last one we will play," Vazzano said. "This team has been working hard so far and must take advantage of every opportunity on the field."