By A.J. Martelli

Some think it’s an easy job. Yet those are the ones that don’t have balls zooming at them at over 100 mph.

“Being a goalie may look easy from the sideline, but it is one of the most difficult positions on the field to play,” says T.J. DiCarlo, the Mavericks lacrosse team goal tender.

“I always used to get comments from people, who said things like, ‘why are you tired, you are a goalie?’ But I believe it is the most mentally and physically demanding positions on the field.”

DiCarlo, a freshman, is ranked 13th in the country in save percentage, and so far has stopped .587 percent of the shots he has faced. He only averages 10.62 goals per game, which puts him 20th in NCAA competition.

“Being a freshman and being able to set an NCAA record is in Division II lacrosse is pretty amazing,” DiCarlo said. “But I know that without my coaching staff and fellow teammates, I would not be where I am today.”

Coming from Farmingdale High School, DiCarlo sees many differences playing at the collegiate level as compared to the high school level, notably the speed of the game.

“There are no weak teams in college; every team in our division is great. Not to mention all the shots I have faced at the collegiate level have an extremely high velocity, making it more difficult to save the ball.”

At press time, the Mavericks lacrosse squad is 1-4 in East Coast Conference competition and 2-7 overall. DiCarlo feels he played his best game on March 4 vs. Pace University. The Mavericks fell 4-3, yet the day was not a total loss. The rookie goal tender made 22 saves and allowed just four goals.

“Allowing four goals was tough,” DiCarlo said. “But making 22 saves is something to be proud of, because it is very difficult to do.”

Another one of DiCarlo’s favorite games came on March 28, an 11-6 Maverick win over Wheeling Jesuit. He made six of his 15 saves in the final quarter to secure the win. It marked Mercy’s first lacrosse win in ECC play and in the school’s history.

“Defeating Wheeling Jesuit was a big one for us, it being the school’s first win in lacrosse,” DiCarlo stated. “It also meant a lot to our head coach Steve Manitta. He wanted to win for Paul Rose, his college lacrosse coach, who recently passed away from cancer.”

The Mavericks placed red stickers on the backs of their helmets in honor of Rose.