Big Red LAX Sees Consecutive Postseason Action

After posting a 7-7 regular season record (4-4 in the conference), Glen Cove High School boys' varsity lacrosse team landed a spot in the playoffs. Unfortunately, Big Red had the daunting task of facing powerhouse Wantagh High School in the first round.

It was clear that early on in the game things weren't going accordingly for Big Red as it missed golden opportunities to score, hitting the post three times, which could've changed the momentum of the affair, according head coach Steve Tripp. 

However, as top teams often do, Wantagh took full advantage of Big Red's misfortunes and poured it on the rest of the way, thrashing the opposition, 15-2, and ending its season.  

"The kids played a good game, but we didn't make any of our breaks," Tripp said. "We weren't finishing. If we scored one or two times, the kids would've gotten their confidence up. We had to make our breaks, and we just couldn't do it."

Tripp hoped the game would've yielded better results for his squad, but he knew that beating Wantagh was a near insurmountable challenge.

"We played to the end," he said. "You always look for them to do better, but being a realist, Wantagh is a number one team. We did play our game. Unfortunately, it wasn't good enough."

Tripp added, however, that he took solace when Big Red saw postseason action for the second straight year, the first time that has happened in the school's lacrosse history.  

"Success for everybody is measured differently," said Tripp, who just completed his 23rd year leading the team.  "For us, making the playoffs two years in a row is fantastic."

Furthermore, Glen Cove is gaining more recognition within and outside its conference.  

"It's a fantastic feeling to know that you have the respect of the coaches," the middle school teacher said. "What is nice is what the other coaches are saying. They know they're going to get a battle when they play us."

Highlights of the successful season include a group of players who earned athletic accolades.

Dougie Tripp, the coach's son, who tallied 40 goals and 25 assists, became Big Red's all-time leading goal scorer this season and made All-County in the process.

Junior attacker Owen Valance, who posted 35 goals and 19 helpers, also earned All-Conference honors, along with goalie Michael Doxey and defensive players Brandon Winkler and Garen Spendjian. Midfielder Ryan Zupa added to the team's success, earning All-Conference honorable mention.

Patch sends a congrats to Big Red for its playoff run and improved season.