Things are trending upward around the Servite boys lacrosse program.
Servite, which finished 1-5 in the Trinity League last season and 6-12 overall, return to the field this season with a group that, according to Coach Tom O’Leary, has the potential to become a contender this season.
To make the jump, O’Leary is counting on his senior core to lead the way.
The senior quintet of Chase Anderson, Kyle Cartwright, Brandon Box, Stephan Shatynski and Austin Felix and sophomore Hayden Rodenbeck are the six captains for the season.
O’Leary said this group embodies what it means to be at Servite.
“We have a lot of experience and leadership with the seniors,” O’Leary said. “We had a lot of guys that competed back east in the summer and they’re showing great passion.”
The key for Servite will be how it performs against its league rivals (Santa Margarita; Mater Dei and JSerra) and how the young defense develops.
“Adam Guy does a great job with Santa Margarita and Johnny Rodriguez is always a great coach and now he’s leading Mater Dei and JSerra brought in a really good coaching staff and they will be competitive,” O’Leary said.
O’Leary will lead the Friars on a road trip later this month to compete against some of the top teams on Long Island. Servite will play three games in four days.
“It will be good for us to experience the sport in its natural state,” he said.
