Boys lacrosse team’s record is 2-10

Despite its record of 2-10, the Lenape Valley Regional High School boys lacrosse team aims to improve on the field.

The Patriots are scheduled to host Sparta at 4 p.m. Thursday, May 9.

They earned their first victory of the season against High Point, 15-1, on April 11 and their second one against Hackettstown, 14-8, on April 26.

Among the returning seniors are Luca Fowler (attack), Andrew Bicher (defense), David Kraus (midfield), David Manzi (defense), Mason McLean (defense), Chris O’Toole (defense) and Ryan Slahor (defense).

Returning offensive players include sophomores Tyler Brennan, Chase De Oliveria, Dylan Fowler and Kevin Giusti.

The goal is to “keep a strong team culture that revolves around a blue collar/family mentality,’’ head coach Rich Shahpazian said.

The Patriots compete in the NJILL Pooley Division along with Newton, Warren Hills, Kinnelon, Voorhees, High Point, North Warren and Hackettstown.

Last year, the team finished with an overall record of 11-12 and 6-3 in the division.

It also advanced to the quarterfinal round of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) North Jersey, Group 1 Tournament before being defeated by eventual sectional champion Mountain Lakes.

“We plan to compete for a division title each year,’’ Shahpazian said. “We do not rebuild, we reload. We have the mindset that we will play the spoiler each year.

All the teams in the division are great, the coach said. “We are looking forward to some great games with them this year.

“We are a small school/program that has a strong blue-collar mentality. We live by the word family. We take care of our own: our teammates, classmates and community members.

“This program at Lenape Valley is not just about lacrosse. It’s about creating the next generation of leaders, and I am blessed to have such great young men in my program.’’