LACROSSE PREVIEWS: History-making appearances for Greater Fall River area teams
FALL RIVER — Three Greater Fall River lacrosse teams embark on a brand new journey to start the spring season.
Somerset Berkley boys and girls along with Westport boys head into their first-ever, full varsity season in 2024. Both Raider teams kick off the season on April 10 against Seekonk while the Wildcats already hit the ground running and currently have a 1-1 record.
Here's a look at the Herald News three lacrossse teams heading into the 2024 season:
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Boys Lacrosse
Somerset Berkley Raiders
Head coach: Phil Strangolagalli, first season
League: South Coast Conference
Last season's record: N/A
Outlook: The sense around the Somerset Berkley lacrosse team centers around a newfound brotherhood and lax culture. For the first-time in school history, the Raiders will field a boys lacrosse team in the spring. First-year head coach Phil Strangolagalli said he and the team are excited to be a part of history. SBR has fielded a team of 35 kids. "A lot of fun culture and hard-working kids," Strangolagalli said. "We're bringing swag, we're going to work hard and give it all we got while supporting each other on and off the field."
Leading the charge for Strangolagalli's first-year group is Kalani Mari. The SBR junior has excellent stick skills and a big frame. He has an opportunity to be one of the best players in the area. Senior Will Santos brings leadership, determined grit and gets better everyday. Sophomore Brody Phillips is smooth as a whistle, a dynamic player and demonstrates excellent movement. Senior Owen Andrade provides elite speed, determination, and quick moves on the field. Senior Connor Tavares-Gagnon is an enforcer type on the defensive end for the Raiders. Senior captain Jack Rothwell is daunting on the field and possess a hard shot that's been clocked at nearly 100 mph. Junior Elliot Lindberg has excellent stick skills. Senior hockey star Brandon Silva provides leadership. Sophomore Gavin Rodrigues is speedy and brings excitement.
Westport Wildcats
Head coach: Mark Ward, 30 seasons
League: Mayflower Athletic Conference Comprehensive Division
Last season's record: N/A
Outlook: The Wildcats begin a new era of lacrosse this spring. Westport started the season by beating Cape Cod Tech for its first win in program's history before taking it on the chin against an experienced South Shore Tech team. New York longtime first-year head coach Mark Ward said he's grateful for the opportunity. "We are looking to build off of this season in hopes of developing a JV program and youth program in the future," Ward said. "We are excited to have the roster that we do. Our athletes are working extremely hard and are showing great attitudes towards their development." The Wildcats have 26 players on the roster, including 10 experienced players.
Leading the charge for Ward's group is St. Joseph's-bound lacrosse player Hunter Mateus. Westport senior captain will play defense and midfield attacker. Senior captain Ryan Borges also plays defense and midfield attacker. Senior captain Jacob Cross and junior captain Will Quinlan will be a midfield attacker. Senior Nick Stanton looks for offense as a midfield attacker.
Girls Lacrosse
Somerset Berkley Raiders
Head coach: Emily Travis, first season
League: South Coast Conference
Last season's record: N/A
Outlook: The Raiders will open up their first-ever lacrosse season on the road against Seekonk on April 10. Head coach Emily Travis said she is focusing on teaching the sport this season and having as much fun as possible in the process. With only a small amount of players with any previous lax experience, there are many who have played similar sports such as soccer, field hockey, basketball and ice hockey. "Many hard-working athletes in general," Travis said. Players to keep an eye on for Travis' teams are freshman midfielder Julie Pacheco, junior midfielder Emily Carr, attack junior Scarlet Isidoro and sophomore Cameryn Carey. Defensively, sophomore Skyler Rivers and junior Savannah Blaser handles the duties in the back. Goalie Sophia Valcourt was the goalie for the field hockey team this year.
Herald News and Taunton Daily Gazette sports editor Steven Sanchez can be reached at ssanchez@heraldnews.com. You can follow him on Twitter @Chezsports
This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Lacrosse is here for three Fall River area teams this spring
