FROM GAMETIMEPA.COM
There's a new coach, a new focus and a new style for Palmyra boys lacrosse.
And the hope is, of course, for some new results now, too.
Under the guidance of lacrosse lifer Dave Ondrusek, who last coached Hempfield over four seasons, the Cougars are aiming to improve upon consecutive 9-9 campaigns this spring. Ondrusek, who also played collegiately and helped many Black Knight players commit to do the same, believes the necessary pieces are in place to replicate the success he enjoyed in Lancaster; namely, contending for a league title and making annual runs in the district tournament.
It's simply a matter of establishing direction and discipline.
"We're trying to stress that we have to compete as a team," Ondrusek said. "We work together and everyone's playing for one another. We take care of each other as a team."
MORE AFTER BREAK
MORE AFTER BREAK
While on-field examples of such togetherness will have to wait until Tuesday, when Palmyra hosts perennial power Cumberland Valley, the off-field examples are already in near abundance. Community service has become an established part of the program, and senior players driving their freshmen teammates to practice, is commonplace, per Ondrusek.
Among this year's senior class is defenseman Tyler Gallagher, the lone Cougar honored on the 2015 Mid Penn first and second all-star teams. Gallagher, along with fellow defensemen Blaise Amelio and Mason Sosnoski, will be fronted by a bevy of experienced classmates in a loaded midfield. Included in that midfield, from where Peter Robertson maneuvered his way to 20 goals a season ago, is Mid Penn honorable mention Joey Giordano, the team's face-off man.
Beginning with Giordano's efforts at the dot, Palmyra's new approach must first fix its record in close games, which last year registered at 1-4 in contests decided by three goals or fewer. In Odrusek's eyes, increased discipline, particularly on the defensive end, should steady the Cougars' hand in crunch-time.
His system and beliefs will be put to the test early, beginning not only against Cumberland Valley but an ensuing showdown against Carlisle, which came back to clip Palmyra last season in a 7-6 heartbreaker.
What follows is a capsule look at the varsity lacrosse programs in Lebanon County.
Palmyra boys
Head coach: Dave Ondrusek, first season.
Last year's record: 9-9, 6-6 Mid Penn Keystone
Key returners: Tyler Gallagher, Sr. def.; Joey Giordano, Sr., mid; Jared Richard, Sr., mid; Josh Shoemaker, Sr., mid; Blaise Amelio, Sr., def.; Mason Sosnoski, Sr., def.; Peter Robertson, Jr., mid; Ethan Gain, Jr., attack; Nick Sheriff, Sr., goalie.
Promising newcomers: Tate Wasson, Fr., def.; Grant Haus, Fr., mid; Ryan Basinger, Fr., def.; Kyle Wasilewski, Fr., mid.
Outlook: See above.
Cedar Crest boys
Head coach: Craig Kemmlein, third season
Last year's record: 6-12, 6-6 Section One
Key returners: Mike Weaver, Sr., attack; Stevie Roda, Sr., mid; Jake Horacek, Sr., attack; Alex Stewart, Sr., midfield; Liam Nieman, Sr., goalie; Jake Booth, Sr., long stick mid; Nick Maria, Sr., long stick mid; Noah Hartman, Sr., defense; Dom Burress, Sr., defense;
Promising newcomers: Kyle Harris, mid; John Lux, mid; Tyler Beard, goalie.
Outlook: Scoring should hardly be hard to come by for the Falcons, as senior captains Mike Weaver amd Stevie Roda return with more than 100 goals between them from 2015. Weaver will head the Cedar Crest attack again, with Roda manning the midfield and fellow co-captains Jake Booth and Nick Maria serving as long stick middies.
Together, they will look to execute the transition style the Falcons believe can yield further improvement in a stacked Section One and carry their momentum from the end of last season.
"As coaches, one of our biggest goals is to play consistently at the level of play we know our players can achieve," Falcons coach Craig Kemmlein said. "We have the ability this season to control the face-off, win the groundball battle and be a transition team."
That fast-paced style guided Cedar Crest to wins in three of its final five contests from a year ago, all of which featured at least 13 scored goals. Defensively, the blue and white rely on Liam Nieman between the pipes. Having scratched an opening clash with Spring Grove, the Falcons will open Monday at home against Governor Mifflin under the lights.
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