Big Red Boys LAX Looks to Build on Last Season

After an 11-5 record and a trip to the playoffs against second-seeded South Side High School (a game in which Glen Cove lost), boys' varsity lacrosse coach Steven Tripp believes his team can match last year's success, and even produce greater results in 2010, with a Nassau County title up for grabs.  

"We're looking to replicate our success from last year, and build on that trend this year," Tripp said.  "Because the top two teams — Lynbrook and South Side — are down a little bit, the league is wide open as far as who'll take reigns in the county." 

It won't be easy, though, as 12 seniors, who accounted for 90 of the club's goals last season, graduated, leaving Big Red searching for ways to score. But Tripp believes his defense will be strong and hold down the fort until the offense finds its footing.  

"Defense will pick it up from last year," Tripp said.  "They'll pick up the slack for our offense until our offense gets going." 

Glen Cove's stalwart defense features Andrew Ayo, Chris Mellio and Aaron Sylver.  

Fortunately for Big Red, Tripp has a core of returning starters who will provide the team with valuable experience, including seniors Phil Voegetlen, Garen Spendjian, Brendon Winkler, and Lewis Linares.  

Although Tripp will be counting on his defense to stymie the opposition, he will have Glen Cove's leading goal scorer, midfielder Doug Tripp, who registered an impressive 51 goals last season and happens to be his son, returning to the fold to spark the offense.  

On the attack for Big Red will be seniors Chris Borer and Adan Kornfeld and juniors Owen Valence and Kevin Nicholas.  

Senior goalie Michael Doxey, who was in between the pipes last season, will be back in net for Glen Cove.  

As for the midfield position, the team will be represented well by seniors Ryan Zupa, Charles Ring, Daven Plummer, Michael Moglia, and Adam Ramadan.  

To prepare his players for the rigors of the lacrosse season, Tripp currently has them jog to build endurance for those countless trips up and down the lax field. Then, they work on the fundamentals of the sport: throwing, catching, scooping, and running with the ball.  

When asked what helps him stay motivated, Tripp, who has been at the helm at Glen Cove since 1988, replied, "The kids and the sport keep me going." 

"We practice hard, we play hard," he added. "That's all you can ask from 16- and 17-year olds." 

Big Red opens the season on March 22 against Jericho High School.