Warriors playing up to coach's expectations
BY MIKE WHITE
Staff Writer

PLUMSTED - Despite dealing with the growing pains that go along with coaching a young, inexperienced team, New Egypt boys lacrosse coach Jay Corby remains optimistic about the future of the Warriors program.

"We're really young, but we have taken care of business against the teams I thought we would," Corby said. "We're going to struggle against the bigger programs. We have a young team and a lot of new faces in key positions. So far, we're holding our own. Our execution should progress as the season wears on."

The Warriors showed their explosive side recently with a 13-0 thrashing of Monroe Township last week. The New Egypt offense dominated from the opening face-off, controlling play at Monroe's end of the field for most of the game.

Tommy Carr paced the attack with four goals and an assist. Andrew Konop registered the hat trick, while Tommy Morton and Shane Scherholz contributed two goals apiece. Morton also added two assists as did Scherholz and R.J. Healy.

Sam Hillburn and Chris O'Connell each scored a goal and Tim Dickert had an assist.

Rob Brown made 10 saves in goal as New Egypt won its fourth game of the year.

"We looked fairly sharp at both ends of the field in that game," Corby said. "But again, they are kind of a new program and we just took it to them. We had a lot of people involved at the offensive end of the field. We don't have that one go-to guy for scoring like we've had in the past. We're going to need to get contributions from all around."

New Egypt's three losses have come against quality opponents. Kingsway, Wall, and most recently, Somerville, have dished out the setbacks. Corby and his crew aren't discouraged by the losses. Squaring off against the better programs will eventually benefit New Egypt.

"You need to play the better teams out there in order for your team to move forward," Corby said. "We have accomplished some nice things in those losses. They are learning experiences that we can eventually draw on. We look forward to playing the bigger and more experienced teams."

Corby cited the fine play of midfielder Lance Sutton. Sutton's speed and aggressiveness have translated into a number of scoring opportunities. Morton is another midfielder with the ability to be offensive.

"He's [Sutton] doing a lot of nice work for us," Corby said. "He makes a lot of steals and gets things going in the midfield for us. He is quick to ground balls and sees the field very well. He is good at creating offensive opportunities."

Carr and Scherholz have shouldered much of the scoring this season, and Brown has been solid in net despite being sick at times. Konop has replaced Brown at goalie and done and admirable job, Corby said.

Cody Shields and Travis Von Schmidt anchor the defense.

"We've done a solid job of defending," Corby said. "It is one of the strengths of this squad. We need to get more scoring chances. I think that will come about as we go deeper into the schedule. The players are still getting accustomed to playing together as a unit."