Pittsford 2022

Class A - Monroe County League

Last year there were certainly tough moments for the Panthers as they posted a 9-7 record, losing to the top teams in the section, including the overtime loss to Fairport in the Class A finals. This, however, is another new year, filled with new promise.

The Panthers lost a couple of  great seniors to graduation. Gone are attackman Harrison Cross (41g-27a) and Shane Leaonard (18g-5a) in midfield. Cross (Williams) was the Panther leader in goals, assists and points. In defense they lost a first team all-league pick in Jack Wallace and their starting goalie Sean Regan (St. Michaels).

There is, however a lot of talent returning starting with senior James Cook, a Tampa bound attackman  who had  40g-10a last year. Coach Whipple calls him "a do it all attackmen. James can dodge, shoot and is a great feeder as well."

In the midfield are senior Gustav ("Goose") Murphy (9g-3a), "a great dodger and a big strong player. He is a capable of both taking the outside shot as well as running by his defender to score.". He is joined by juniors Ben Steingass (8g-6a) and Jackson Green, a three sport athlete that Coach Whipple says is "arguable one of he best athletes in Section V."

As usual, Coach Ted Rund has a lot to work with in the defense. Back are seniors Charlie DeBiase (2g-25gbs-9tks)  who is great in transition and not afreaid to shoot and John Santowski (29gbs-10tks) who Coach Whipple thinks with lead and anchor the defense. The defense will be protecting two untested junior goalies,  Nolan Dehan and Jack Garland.

Pittsford will start the season with Fairport, a game that, according to the coaches preseason poll could be the the championship teams at the end of the season. That is is a tough way for both teams to start their 2022 season. Win or loose, it`s a long way from the start of the season to the end, so the game should be exciting, but not necessarily meaningful. {ed note: Fairport scored two goals at the end of the game for a 8-7 win.)

The Monroe County D1 schedule is small and the Panthers will play Fairport, R-H, Hilton, and Greece. Their crossover games with Victor, Irondequoit, Penfield, Schroeder, Thomas Brighton and Spencerport will bring some meat to the schedule. Coach Whipple has also set up non-league games with Fayetteville-Manlius, Orchard Park, CBA, and Hamburg.

This is Coach Whipple`s eighteenth year and he is three wins away from making the 200 wins club. He is aware of the strengths of upstate lacrosse. "Section V is extremely talented and I anticipate an extremely competitive season."

Head Coach

Andrew Whipple 18th year 197-97

Assisted by Ted Rund, Cory Bottiglier, Colby Barker

Some Key Players

James Cook (12-A), Charlie DeBiase (12-D), John Santowski (12-D), Gustav ("Goose") Murphy (12-M), Ben Steingass (11-M), Jackson Green (11-M)

Key Games

"All our games will be tough"

See other stories as they are posted: Class A  -  Class B  -  Class C  -  Class D