Boys Lacrosse: Panthers Intent on Bouncing Back from Disappointing 2010 Campaign

boys varsity lacrosse Coach Craig Campbell couldn’t help but be frustrated.

Since taking over as head coach in 2003, Campbell has become accustomed to consistent success for the Panthers.

Yet after going 15-3 and winning the Class 2A-1A state championship in 2009, its third state title in the last 11 years, last season didn’t exactly go as planned for Campbell and Pikesville.

Although they would still go on to reach the Class 2A-1A North championship game for the seventh straight year, the Panthers finished the season just 7-10. Campbell attributes much of the struggles to a significant number of injuries.

But with a strong cast of players returning this year, Campbell is optimistic that Pikesville can not only rebound, but also make a serious run at the school’s sixth regional title since 2001, and possibly even another state championship as well.

“We had quite a disappointing season last year,” Campbell said. “But we’re really excited for this season. The kids seem pretty determined that they want to succeed.”

The Panthers lost just three starters from last season while several key players return, including top scorer Kevin Saval (35 goals, six assists).

Saval will spearhead Pikesville’s midfield while seniors Mark Nathanson and Max Gold will anchor the Panthers’ defense. Senior goalie Sam Frallicciardi is also a returning starter. Attackers Dan Adamson, Karlos Locke and Jory Parson, meanwhile, are expected to be valuable contributors up front.

“I think we’re pretty balanced,” Campbell said. “I can’t tell you that we’re going to be some offensive juggernaut or some shut-down defense, but I think we’re going pretty solid across the board."

The team will have to work on all its roles, he said. "The better the offense is, the easier it is on the defense, and the quicker the defense can get the ball from the other team’s offense and up to our offense.”

But while Campbell is expecting a significant turnaround from last year, he has made sure to make his players understand that it won’t happen without hard work.

“We need to work as a bunch of grinders,” Campbell said.

“Sometimes when you have success, there’s a little complacency, thinking that you’re just going to continue to have success. But they found out last year that you can quickly become mediocre without hard work ....”

Campbell is encouraged by what he has seen leading up to the season and said he expects the Panthers, as they have done so consistently during his tenure, to establish themselves as a legitimate force in the Class 2A-1A region.

“Every year, we intend on playing in the regional championship game,” Campbell said. “Quite frankly, we just assume we’re going to work hard enough to be playing in that. And if you get the chance to do that and win that, you’re in the [state semifinals] and you just go from there.”

The Panthers play a scrimmage against Friends School at 3:45 p.m. Friday, March 11, at Friends School, 5114 N. Charles St., Baltimore.