April 7, 2025
By Isabella Apple
Staff Writer
The lacrosse team, which is in its third year as a varsity sport, is looking to improve on its 2-12 record from last season.
Senior midfielder Matt Bronco, who has been on varsity for three years, said the team, which is co-oped with North Arlington High School, tries to fit in as many drills and plays as possible during practices.
He said knowing each other’s strengths and weaknesses can improve the team’s playing style.
“Being a fairly new varsity program, we’re going to have our flaws,” Bronco said. “Each season, things start to get more serious. We continue to grow in that aspect and try as leaders to make sure it stays that way when we graduate.”
“This season, we have more players with knowledge about the game and more players, so we don’t have to rely on our seniors.”
Bronco said that, with the mentorship of Head Coach Amato and Assistant Coach Azzarello, the team hopes to make it to the playoffs.
“Our coaches are perfect for what we’ve got as a team. Having new kids and having coaches with the knowledge… helps this program,” Bronco said.
Sophomore goalie Lukas Gallo, who has been on varsity for two years, said the players have the necessary traits to be successful.
“Lacrosse is a sport that needs chemistry with constant callouts,” Gallo said.
He said, compared to last season, this year’s team is in a better position to win.
“This season, we have more players with knowledge about the game and more players, so we don’t have to rely on our seniors,” Gallo said.
Junior midfield and face-off specialist Lorenzo Bufi, who has been on varsity for three years, said he expects the players’ strong chemistry to manifest in wins on the field.
“Teamwork and communication play a huge role in… getting open on the field, guarding someone on defense and picking up ground balls,” Bufi said.
He said the team’s defense is strong, and the players are determined.
“Everyone comes to practice with the goal to improve each day. Our team is a lot more focused on winning games this season and putting in all the effort they can,” said Bufi.
Correction: An earlier version of this article indicated that the lacrosse team’s record for the 2023-2024 season was 2-12. This is incorrect. The team’s record for the 2022-2023 season was 2-12. The team’s record for the 2023-2024 season was 8-7.
