HOLMDEL – Coach Brendan Quinn and his Holmdel High School boys lacrosse players continued to lift the school’s lacrosse program to new heights during the 2022 season.
The Hornets set a program record for the most wins in a season by posting a 13-7 record and completing a fifth consecutive winning campaign.
“I had so much fun coaching these kids and I could not be happier with what this group was able to achieve this season. We played really well. We lost some close games to some good teams,” Quinn said.
A strong group of upperclassmen led by senior attack Kyle Kapcsos anchored the Hornets. Kapcsos posted one of the best single-season performances in program history as he scored 53 goals and added 40 assists. His 53 goals led the team in that category.
Kapcsos concluded his scholastic career with 200 points, which places him second in program history.
“Kyle is a really special player to have come through this program. We had high expectations of him coming into this season and he answered the bell to exceed them. He is one of the best players I have ever coached and an even better kid,” Quinn said.
Seniors Evan Cohen and Aidan Lagana also paced the Hornets on offense. Cohen scored 39 goals (second on the squad) and contributed 16 assists. Lagana boosted the attack with 32 goals.
Senior midfielders Jaden Gallo and Jared Battaglia delivered solid performances during the team’s winning campaign. Gallo scored 28 goals and added eight assists, while Battaglia scored 13 goals and contributed 28 assists.
Holmdel’s defense was anchored by seniors Josh Burke, John Fanzini and Brendan Worobel.
“Our seniors ended their career on a high note. It was a positive send-off,” Quinn said.
The Hornets got a boost this season from sophomore Will Gilfillan, who scored 34 goals and dished off 34 assists. Quinn is looking forward to having Gilfillan back in the lineup in 2023.
Junior goalkeeper Andrew Arredondo delivered a solid campaign as he recorded a career-high 184 saves. During 2021 and 2022, Arredondo has recorded 351 saves in 34 games played.
The coach is also excited to have Arredondo returning next spring.
Junior Dylan Lagana made his presence felt during his first varsity season as he scored 16 goals.
“Everyone pitched and did their part to help us have the season we did,” Quinn said.
The 2022 season was Quinn’s third year at the helm of the Hornets.
Having led Holmdel into the second round of the NJSIAA state sectional tournament in each of his first three seasons, Quinn believes the Hornets will soon have the opportunity to take the next step in the program’s development by reaching the state sectional tournament semifinals or the sectional championship game.
The coach’s belief that the program will continue its upward trajectory is based on the quality of the players who are coming through the ranks of the Holmdel Youth Activities Association.
“I am hoping to reload every year. Our underclassmen are buying in and doing everything we are asking them to do. We have a strong youth program that we will reap the benefits from,” Quinn said.
