As the 2023 campaign began for NDCL boys lacrosse, Joe Muscatello entered his first season as varsity head coach — and on March 25, Muscatello got his first varsity victory when his Lions defeated the Willoughby South Rebels, 13-2.
Match photos click here.
As the 2023 campaign began for NDCL boys lacrosse, Joe Muscatello entered his first season as varsity head coach — and on March 25, Muscatello got his first varsity victory when his Lions defeated the Willoughby South Rebels, 13-2.
“This is just great,” said Muscatello. “We always play Willoughby South, and they always come in tough, and they have a really good goalie.”
The Lions provided that Willoughby South goalie with a flurry of shots on goal throughout the game.
“We really tried to get as many shots off as we could,” Muscatello said. “The kids played great and moved the ball around, and we managed to get everyone into the game.”
Consistent with coach Muscatello’s observations, statistics showed the Lions tallied 60 shots on goal.
Leading the Lions with 20 shots on goal was Paulic, who also scored five goals throughout the game.
After the contest, Paulic described the goals he accumulated. In particular, he described himself as needing to be a catalyst to get things started.
“The first one, it was 0-0 already two minutes into the game,” he said. “So Shemitz (#25) and I started to play the two-man game. He passed it up, I got an open shot, (and) it was a three-quarter bouncer into the goal. That just got things rolling.
“Then I had a hat trick in the first quarter, and that really helped us get moving in the game and helped us with our 13-2 win.”
Other multiple-goal scorers for the Lions included Ryan Shemitz with three and Charlie Johnson adding two.
Shemitz discussed scoring three:
“I just try to work the two-man game,” he said. “I just try to dodge around in the crease. If the guy slides, I just try to find the open lane. If he doesn’t, I am going into the crease.
“I like the step down, too, you know, from like the 20. The ball is coming down, I like to flash up, get it and just rip it down and see what happens.”
In addition, goals were scored by Charlie Johnson (2), Nate Price (1), Domenick Nero (1) and Chase Mrofchak (1).
The Lions were led in assists by Ryan Shemitz (3), Wyatt Dynes (2) and Ryan Smith (1).
But again, one of the main metrics Coach Muscatello emphasizes is shots on goal, meaning that his offense was moving the ball and creating the necessary space to take good shots.
In addition to Paulic getting 20 shots on goal, NDCL was also led here by Shemitz (13 shots on goal), Johnson (10), Nate Price (10), Ryan Smith (6), and Luke Miller (5).
NDCL also excelled in ground balls. Leading the Lions in that realm were Charlie Johnson (14), Paulic (9), Smith (6) and Dynes (4).
Muscatello would shoot for second and third varsity wins with his Lions against March 28 agains Glen Oak and March 29 facing Boardman.
