Desiree Kleberg was a two sport standout at Walt Whitman High School. Her tenure at Walt Whitman was marred with achievement. She starred on both the basketball court and lacrosse field. Playing two sports made Desiree a household name in South Huntington. Her constant presence on and around the athletic community. Her basketball game was outstanding and only outdone by her lacrosse performance. 22 assists in her season to accompany a whopping 59 goals. She is now playing at Quinnipiac in Hamden, Connecticut and was gracious enough to handle a few questions for us.

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Joe Spallina Jr. has lacrosse in his blood. He is the son of New York Lizards GM and head coach of the women’s lacrosse team at Stony Brook University, Joe Spallina. Joey, the Mount Sinai sophomore, has already outgrown his dad’s shadow. During his freshman campaign he led the mustangs to an unbelievable regular season, they went an outstanding 15-0 in conference play. Spallina filled up the box score to a nearly unprecedented degree, the freshman was second in all of Suffolk county with 131 points. He ranked third in goals with 65 and second in assists with 66… as a freshman. That type of production is fantastic for any player, but putting up those numbers as a freshman; the sky is the limit for Joey Spallina. The team took their undefeated record all the way to the finals, where they suffered a heart breaking one goal loss to Shoreham-Wading River. Spallina will be back and presumably even better; a scary preposition for the rest of Suffolk County.  

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Katie Desimone, is one of the best lacrosse players on all of Long Island. The reigning Class AA MVP enters her senior year with sky high expectations. Katie’s MVP year was part of St. Anthony’s “Redemption Tour”, as was famously printed across their sweatshirts a season ago. After a devastating defeat in 2018, the friars were on a mission. Katie led her team to an impressive 17-1 record, including a much anticipated 9-7 victory over Sacred Heart in the championship game. Katie put in three goals and added one assist; at long last Katie’s dream season was realized. Katie is not done yet, with one season left at St. Anthony’s prior to her arrival at Duke University, Katie and the team are looking to repeat. With a player of Katie’s caliber returning there is no reason to expect anything less.

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Siena Saints

Head Coach: Liam Gleason

Assistant Coaches: Tim Cox, Derrick Eccles, Kevin Prunty (Undergraduate Assistant)

2019 Record: 6-7 (6th in MAA conference)

Long Island Representation:

Colin Gleason/Freshman/ Massapequa

Dylan Pape/Freshman/West Islip

Brandon Meir/Sophomore/Smithtown West

Thomas Rooney/Sophomore/St. Dominic

2020 recruits

Andrew Arcuri, Westhampton

Jack Erb, Shoreham Wading River

Jack Cavaioli, Farmingdale

We are really excited about the direction of the program. Siena College and our lacrosse program has an amazing inclusive and family atmosphere. This has cultivated a feeling of fun and high positive energy on and off the field. -Liam Gleason, Head Men’s Lacrosse Coach, Siena College

The 2019 lacrosse season at Siena College will not go down as a particularly memorable one. The Saint Bernards went 6-7 in the first season with coach Liam Gleason at the helm, the sub .500 record was disappointing but seeing as those six wins matched the combined totals of the two previous seasons. Coach Gleason and the Saints are on an upward trajectory. Senior Dylan Pantalone is coming back off an all MAAC first team appearance a season ago, and last year’s all freshman midfielder Tyler Menniti will only get better. The optimism around the program is contagious as Coach Gleason anticipates the Saint Bernards to have their first winning season since 2014.

There is an influx of Long Island talent on the Saint Bernards roster, four members of the 2020 season hail from the Island. Highlighted by FLG summer intern Brandon Meir. Brandon appeared in 12 of 13 games for Siena last season and looks to make a bigger contribution during his sophomore campaign. More are on the way, Siena already has three commits in class of 2020. Andrew Arcuri, Jack Erb, and Jack Cavaioli have signed up to play for Gleason and the Saints. With the new energy and massive incoming of talent heading towards them look for Siena to be a big player in the MAAC for years to come.

“With the 63rd pick in the 2019 National Lacrosse League draft the New York Riptide Select; FLG alumni Matthew Borges.”

 No, those were not the exact words of NLL commissioner Nick Sakiewicz, but it doesn’t make them any less true. 2015 Garden City graduate Matthew Borges is indeed heading to the Riptide. An illustrustrious high school career, during which Matt was able to excel not only on the lacrosse field, but also as a two-time lettermen in both football and ice hockey. The well-rounded Borges decided to play lax at The Ohio State University, where he anchored an elite Buckeyes defense. 48 consecutive starts while playing with Buckeyes culminated in a senior season for the ages. Borges led the Buckeyes with 16 caused turnovers, highlighted by three in a March 23rd game against Notre – an 11-10 overtime win for OSU. Borges’ best game of the season however came on February 9th, OSU defeated Boston University 17-10 and Borges picked up five ground balls, and caused two more turnovers. He was rewarded by being named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts. Borges was truly one of the greats to come through OSU program the Garden City product was also an All-American player during his time as a Buckeye.

Borges received a few more accolades during his time in school. He won gold with the United States U19  team, during the 2016 competition. On top of his excellence on the field Borges in the classroom is a true role model. Matthew was a four time Ohio State Scholar-Athlete and as a sophomore, in 2017,  he was named to the Academic All Big-Ten team and the Academic All-American team.  In March, Borges was selected 37th overall by the New York Lizards of the MLL and just a week ago the New York Riptide took him 63rd. Borges is about to embark on a new phase of his career and here at FLG we couldn’t be more excited to see him back on Long Island.

Borges and his teammates at Ohio State

Q: How did Lacrosse become the sport you decided to pursue?

It was very similar to hockey and all of my friends were going to play so I just wanted to be around them. Once I really started taking it seriously I realized I could play at the next level and I was fortunate enough to be recruited to Ohio State. 

Q: What do you miss most about your time playing for Garden City?

I miss playing with my boys from home, obviously it was incredible growing up and playing with the GC guys so when you go to college that is something you start to miss.

Q:How did you end up at The Ohio State University?

I knew I wanted to be at a big school having seen my brother at penn state, his experience was incredible. Ohio state checked that box and I fell in love with the university and the coaching staff. Coach Myers vision and passion was very clearly and he was someone I wanted to align myself with. Finally, it had a great business school and I knew after my career ended I would be set up for success. 

Q: What was your biggest takeaway from the U19 championship? 

My biggest take away from the world games was probably never take things for granted. It was an incredible honor to wear the red white and blue but more importantly I understood that it was a once in a lifetime opportunity, and it was only going to last a few weeks no matter what. I love that group of guys and I’m excited to be lucky enough to still play with them professionally. Winning a gold metal with that group was an unreal experience. 

Q: Your academic track record speaks for itself, how were able to keep academics a priority given the workload of a D1 athlete?

I think for myself it was just having the ability to manage my time and have a plan everyday. Each day I had a routine and a plan and once you get into it early in your career it starts to become second nature. Ohio state also offered a tremendous amount of help on the academic side of the coin whether it was just study space or free tudors. 

Q: Six months removed from graduating college how have you been adjusting to the working world?

Fortunately for me the working world hasn’t started so I’ve been able to play a ton of golf and just continue to workout and play lacrosse. I start work next week and I’m really looking forward to it.  

Q: With MLL and NLL offers how do you see your lacrosse future unfolding?

I’m not sure there’s a clear future, I don’t know what’s going to unfold. I consider myself very lucky to have to opportunity to continue to play the game I love and I hope to do it as long as I can. The MLL season was a great experience and I am looking forward to playing for the riptide this coming winter.

GOAL! The final play of Grace Tauckus’ junior season was a goal, but more than that it was an overtime goal, and even more than that it was an overtime goal in the Long Island Class C championship game. Grace led her Cold Spring Harbor Seahawks team to the title in her junior year, and then followed it up during her senior season giving the program back-to-back State titles. Tauckus was tournament MVP in 2018 and a team captain in 2019, Tauckus had one of the most decorated high school careers in recent memory. 90 goals and 27 assists during her impressive four seasons at CSH.

Now at Princeton, the freshman midfielder has a whole new slew of challenges on her plate. As if attending school at one of the world’s most  prestigious universities wasn’t tough enough, their lacrosse team is coming off of a very impressive 16-4 season a year ago. Grace as an incoming freshman has big shoes to fill on the field while keeping on top of the rigorous coursework. If anyone can do it, it is Grace. A great player, a proven winner, and an exceptional leader, she will do great things as a Princeton Tiger.

Q: What was going through your mind when the ball hit the back of the net in the championship game your junior year?

My initial reaction was shock. That game had been one of the most both physically and mentally demanding games we had ever played as a team. It took a few minutes for me to finally gather my thoughts and realize that our team was going to states, a feeling of utter happiness.

Q:  Were there any additional pressures defending a title in 2019, opposed to trying to get it in 2018?

Going into our 2019 season, our team recognized that we now had a target on our backs; we were the team our opponents were gunning for and wanting to beat. In 2018, we weren’t favored to go all the way. Coming off a less successful season in 2017, we knew we had to prove ourselves. 2019, however, was a time for us to show that our states run the year before wasn’t just a fluke. We adopted the slogan “never settle” to demonstrate our determination to not become content with our past but to continue our success in the future.

Q: What do miss most about Cold Spring Harbor?

 I could go on and on telling everything that I miss about CSH, but the main thing that sticks out to me is the level of community present in our everyday life. In our small town, odds are you know most of the people you’re walking with  in the school hallways, and it’s truly an awesome thing to be able to say that about my school community. Cold Spring Harbor and the people there have created a family atmosphere, one that’s definitely hard to leave behind, but an amazing thing to come home to.

Q: Why Princeton?

Princeton has the best of both worlds: a stellar lacrosse program and even better academic reputation. I see college as a time when individuals should challenge themselves and dare to step outside of their comfort zones. It can definitely be intimidating being surrounded by such brilliant thinkers and talented athletes, but at the same time, these people push those around them to reach their full potential both in the classroom and on the field.

Q: What are you most looking forward to while at college?

Over the next four years, I am excited to learn more about myself as a student, athlete, and person. As a Division 1 athlete, time is pretty hard to come by. I’m looking forward to learning the skills that will help me to better balance my time and commitments while still achieving success in multiple areas. 

Q:  Where do you see yourself after graduating college?

As of right now, I don’t have a definitive answer concerning where I’ll be after college. I’m planning on using my first couple of semesters to figure out what I enjoy learning and what I’m passionate about, and from there I can gain a more clear picture of what I may want to do later in life.

-2019 field hockey stats (as of 09/27) 5 goals and 5 assists

-Voted Newsday Top 10 player to watch on Long Island in Field Hockey this season

-Lacrosse stats from 2019  33 goals and 32 assists

Kate McLam is in the midst of her senior year at Northport high school. This fall she is a member of the Tigers field hockey team, they are off to a remarkably fast start this season winning each of their first seven matches. Kate’s excellence in field hockey is only outdone by her lacrosse abilities, the senior has already committed to playing her college lacrosse at Franklin & Marshall. Coming off 26 goals and 26 assists during her junior campaign  the sky is the limit for the tiger’s attacker. Kate’s aspirations are greater than her individual success. Last season Northport won the New York State Class A championship. Winning comes first for McLam and with her senior year on the horizon the Tigers are as ferocious as ever.

Q: Between field hockey and lacrosse your high school career as been filled with winning is there a particular game that stands out to you?

State semi final against Pittsford. I had 1 goal and 4 assists. It stands out not just because we played so well as a team, but because winning states became a real possibility moving into the final game.  It was also exciting because that game was being broadcast live on TV and our entire school was gathered in the commons at watching us. We were not only playing for ourselves, but for the entire community. The support was amazing. 

Q:How is senior year, knowing that you are already committed to a college?

Being committed as a senior is exciting and somewhat of a relief. All of my efforts academically and athletically are going towards my career at Franklin and Marshall. I still have a challenging course load, but it’s all in perspective now.

Q: You were originally going to play at Stony Brook, why the change?

I was really young when I made the decision to go to SBU. They are a great program and it was an honor to be considered to play there. But as I matured, I realized that Franklin and Marshall was a better fit for me academically and athletically. I really want a full college experience including traveling abroad. I’m looking forward to making an impact at a top D3 program. 

Q: What are most looking forward to this upcoming season, as defending champions?

I am most looking forward to the challenge of being a leader of my lacrosse team as a captain. We have all the role players, we just need to stay focused. My ultimate goal is to get back to states. On top of all of that, I get to play with my little sister Emma. We really connect well on the field. 

Q: What are your aspirations going forward off the lacrosse field?                                                                    

My aspirations moving forward are to study Mathematics at F and M and choose a career path related to that.

Jacob Bruno, is a three sport studlete at Cold Spring Harbor High School. During the fall he is tearing it up on the Football field. The starting running back has led the Seahawks  to 2-0 start this season, seemingly scoring at will, Bruno uses his strength to run over every defender in his path. This past weekend Jacob scored four touchdowns in a resounding victory for CSH. Bruno spends his winters wrestling, the Cold Spring Harbor wunderkind came in second in the division two tournament this past February and will surely be a force to be reckoned with this time around. 

Where Bruno has truly made his mark however is on the lacrosse field. He has committed to playing his college lacrosse at Amherst. The defenseman is looking forward to the new challenges that college lax will offer, but there is unfinished business Bruno needs to take care of right here on Long Island first. The Senior will be playing his last season at Cold Spring Harbor with a chip on his shoulder. The Seahawks came so close to a title in 2019, but a one goal loss in the Long Island championship put Bruno’s dream on hold for another year. Bruno is on a mission to redeem himself and the whole team after the crushing defeat a season ago, and there truly is no reason to expect anything less.

Q: What have you enjoyed most about your time at Cold Spring Harbor High School?

I have absolutely loved my time at Cold Spring Harbor, both academically and athletically. In the classroom, I have the opportunity to learn and grow with the endless support of my teachers. On the sports field or the mat, the expectation is to win, and nothing less. I love working everyday with my teammates to uphold this expectation.

Q: Will it be tough for you not being able to play all three sports in college?

It will definitely be different not playing three sports in college. I’m sure my time commitment to sports won’t change since I’ll be training for lacrosse all year. I may try and Pursue football in college as well, but that’s a decision for a later date. I will miss wrestling for sure, but definitely not the constant nose bleeds that come with it.

Q: Why is lacrosse the one that you have decided to pursue?

 I’ve decided to play college lacrosse instead of wrestling or football because of how much fun lacrosse is. The IQ needed to play lax is different from any other sport, and I feel this gives me an edge on the field. Also, it’s worth mentioning that being allowed to take an opponents arms off with a metal pole for fun is a pretty good deal to me.

Q: What drew you to Amherst?

I knew Amherst was the place for me the moment I stepped on campus. Besides the the fact that Amherst is undoubtedly one of the best colleges in the world academically, the atmosphere at the school is unlike any other I visited. It is a relatively small school, but it has a big school vibe since it shares a town with UMass. Most importantly, Amherst is the standard for high level lacrosse, and that’s what I have always wanted; to be the best. I can’t wait to start working towards bringing another National Championship home to Amherst.

Q: What is going to take for CSH to get over the hump this year?

I’m sure I speak for all my boys at CSH when I say we will be beyond motivated this year. Losing two years in a row, in the LIC, by a goal both times, leaves a terrible taste in your mouth. This year we can’t take any days off. We are going to stick together and grind everyday at practice. If we do that, the rest will fall into place.

“Saved by Mueller” became an all too familiar cry during the past four seasons throughout Nassau County. Eric Mueller, the former Garden City goalie was a special player. During his junior season he led the Trojans to the state championship. A resounding semifinal win over John Jay  before Mueller and the team won a thrilling one goal victory over Victor High School. After a solid senior campaign at Garden City, Mueller was on to the next chapter of his lacrosse journey.  Now embarking on his first season at Franklin & Marshall the once great trojan goalie is fighting a new war, and the Centennial Conference should be on notice. The trojan turned diplomat heads to a program that is the reigning conference champion, Coach Todd Cavallaro looks to repeat his conference dominance and with Mueller joining fellow Garden City player Luke Keating the diplomats should stay in power for years to come.

Q: How have you been enjoying your first months at Franklin & Marshall?

My first few months at F&M have been great. The Coaching staff along with the guys on the team have all been extremely welcoming, It has been an extremely smooth transition.

Q: What was the crowning achievement during your high school career?

I would say that my crowning achievement of my high school career was our win over Smithtown West my sophomore year, I had 11 saves that game which was my first start in goal as a varsity player. It was great to get that win because in the years previous they had given us a lot of trouble.

Q: What do miss most about Garden City?

What I miss most about Garden City is all the guys on the team. Most of us played together for ten years, and we had really become a tight knit group. We were a team that really knew each others strengths and weaknesses on the field, allowing us to help each other out.  

Q:Why did you choose Franklin &Marshall?

The reason I chose F&M was because I felt like there was a balance between rigorous academics as well as great lacrosse. 

Q: What are your aspirations after college and how do you see your lacrosse experience helping you in those endeavors?

I am going to apply for the “BOSS” program here at F&M which is the Business program, in which I would like to pursue an occupation in finance after I graduate. The guys on the team are an extremely close group, and always try to help a teammate out after they graduate when it comes to finding a job.

Connor Farrell graduated from Sachem East High School in 2015, and with that his lacrosse days appeared to be far behind him. The freshman linebacker was fully committed to playing football at LIU Post, he spent years developing his game and he had put in countless hours of work on the football field. Engaged in a prop bet, Farrell ended up in a faux wrestling match when he couldn’t pin his opponent, LIU Post lacrosse player Usak, in 10 seconds he was on the lacrosse practice field the next morning. Farrell hadn’t played lacrosse in a long time, but his feel for the game never left. He quickly transformed himself from a “goon” into one of the best faceoff players in division II, and he was drafted by the New York Lizards of the MLL. He spent this past season playing for the Chrome of the PLL and on September 17, 2019 Farrell was selected in the NLL  2nd round, 24th overall by the hometown New York Riptide. The Milkman is coming back to Long Island to deliver the next chapter of his most unlikely career.

BE SURE TO WATCH CONNOR ON BYG LIVE THIS TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 24, @8:00pm