Bethlehem and Guilderland meet on the boys lacrosse field for the first time on April 2. Before that happens, here is a look at the two Suburban Council South Division rivals.
Bethlehem
A veteran offense and a NCAA Division I-bound senior goaltender may propel the Eagles to the top of the division standings this season.
Bethlehem returns four of its top five scorers from last year’s team – Brad Bettinger, Mitchell Calabrese, John Fredette and James MacKrell – plus one of the top goaltenders in the league in Dan Comber, who has signed a National Letter of Intent to play next season at Stony Brook.
“I think we’re competing for a title in the South Division. That is absolutely our goal and our expectation,” said coach Dave Rounds.
The main question mark is Bethlehem’s defense. The Eagles don’t have any veterans with significant playing experience in front of Comber.
“It’s a learning experience,” said Comber. “Being the veteran in goal, it’s on me to direct them to where they need to be on the field.”
“We have some inexperience on defense, but we have some athletic kids who can fill in,” said Rounds.
The Eagles’ first test is Wednesday, March 25, against Niskayuna. They meet Christian Brothers Academy Tuesday, March 31, before playing Guilderland on April 2.
Guilderland
The Dutchmen are in a reloading phase after graduating several key players from last year’s team, including their top three goal scorers.
“We lost … three seniors (who) scored the majority of our points,” said Guilderland coach Sean McConaghy. “But the majority of the guys on this year’s team are athletic, have good stick skills and will play major roles on this team.”
Guilderland’s veteran include goaltender Dan DiPace, attackers Kevin Dyer and Gus Schwenk, and midfielders Jake Cornetti-Skott and Ryan Fish. Long stick midfielder Tyler Hess anchors the defense.
“Our offense is going to be by committee,” said McConaghy. “I think it’s nice that we don’t have to rely on one or two people to score our points for us.”
The Dutchmen have no games until they meet Bethlehem on April 2.
