Midweek Match-Up, separated by a few streets the Hewlett Bulldogs will face off against the Lynbrook Owls on Wednesday March 28th. Named “The Seawane Cup” these two Nassau County powerhouses will look to get their second wins of the 2018 season. Longstanding rivals in all sports, Lynbrook vs. Hewlett is something that you will not want to miss. When these two varsity lacrosse programs take they field, prepare for an absolute battle for 60 minutes. Can the Owls maneuver past the bite of the Bulldogs yet another time? It all goes down today at 4:30PM.
Hewlett returns an overall young team, led by two standouts, Alex Vadaro (Princeton) and Gavin Adler (Cornell). These two guys are tough, willing to lay it all out on the field for their teams. “Do it all” type players Vadaro and Adler are seen all over the field at every position. Gavin isn’t afraid to make plays on the defensive end, and even showcases his stick skills on man up with the pole. Alex is the commander on the offensive end, and he even takes wings on the face off and locks it in as a man down shorty. Trying to fill the void of Hewlett 2017 standout Ethan Grossman, who amassed 60 goals a season ago, these two guys will be doing everything in their power tomorrow and in every game this season to ‘win.’ A key link that will definitely lighten the load on these two guys is senior goaltender Max May. All- County a season ago. Max is lights out in the pipes. If the Bulldogs want a shot at taking home The Seawane Cup, these guys must be on fire in tomorrow’s game.
Combatting Hewlett will be next door neighbor Lynbrook. Known for having a plethora of team spirit and Lynbrook town pride, the Owls are proud to represent their team, their school and their town. Since 2013, The Owls have had their head on the swivel, taking home The Sewane Cup over the Bulldogs. Only losing twice to the Bulldogs, once in 2012 and another way back in 2004, Lynbrook is for sure the dominant team in this matchup. After making the Nassau County Class C final a season ago, the Owls are geared up looking to claim their second win of 2018, and build up momentum in order to take them back to that moment. A true ‘brotherhood,’ the Lynbrook way focuses on building team chemistry off the field in order to have more success on the field. It all starts with great leaders as Lynbrook returns a tough senior class. Offensively, the Owls return some weapons. Starting with senior midfielder Tommy O’Brien, who stepped up big and made a great campaign in 2017, followed by senior attack trio Mike Bouhall, Garret Handel and Matt Renz. Locking down the low bases, senior defenseman Tom Urena and junior defenseman Joe Demonte will be the backbone of the Owls, focusing on getting stops, creating havoc and getting the ball to the offense to finish the job.
Predictions are difficult to make as both teams are relatively young, losing many standouts in 2017 due to graduation. It should definitely be noted that the Seniors of both squads will absolutely need to step up if they want to take home The Seawane Cup. While Lynbrook may have the advantage on the offensive end, I believe that Vadaro and Adler will be able to rally the Bulldogs and combat Lynbrooks strengths. This game will for sure be an absolute dog fight, and a score separated by no more than 3 goals. Hewlett vs Lynbrook, see you there.
