Staples’ Charlie Clark had a goal and three assists in the Wreckers’ 17-2 win at Trumbull on Tuesday. / Photos by Andy Hutchison
Photo at left: Hunter Pallai turns the corner on a defender during the win at Trumbull. At right: Nick Weil had an important goal against Bishop Guertin on Saturday and then scored twice against Trumbull.

By Andy Hutchison

TRUMBULL — The Staples High boys lacrosse team improved to 5-3 overall with a 17-2 triumph over host Trumbull on Tuesday night.

That victory was big in terms of the score, but the team’s previous win — a 9-8 edging of host Bishop Guertin in Nashua, N.H., on Saturday — was more significant since the Wreckers’ counterparts are three-time New Hampshire state champions.

In the Saturday win, Adam Udell scored twice and assisted on five other tallies; Tristan Schaefer had two goals; Charlie Iannone logged a goal and an assist, and Justin Halky, Nick Weil, Hunter Pallai and Charlie Clark all scored.

Tyler DiMaio caused a turnover that sparked Staples’ comeback win last Saturday over Bishop Guertin, then netted two goals in Tuesday’s victory over Trumbull.

Goaltender Josh Marcus made 13 saves and Caleb Smith had a strong game marking a top Bishop Guertin player to help the defense.

Tyler DiMaio had a key contribution that did not show up on the scoresheet. With the Wreckers in an early 3-0 hole they needed a turnaround. DiMaio delivered a big hit to cause a turnover and, from that point on, the Wreckers were energized, Coach Will Koshansky said.

“I feel like he sparked a run with that hit,” the coach said.

It proved to be an uplifting win for the Wreckers, who previously fell to Long Island-based St. Anthony’s along with FCIAC rivals Wilton and Darien in their tough schedule.

The objective of facing tough out-of-state teams is to improve and prepare for the postseason. The Wreckers have more challenging contests ahead beginning with a visit to Don Bosco in New Jersey at 6 p.m. Thursday.

Jay Anastasi won key faceoffs for the Wreckers on Tuesday.

With the team fighting injuries, other Staples players have had to step up, so building an 11-0 halftime lead Tuesday against Trumbull afforded the Wreckers the opportunity to get more reserves on the field for a look by the coaches.

“Looking at the depth of our roster, having guys who don’t play a ton in our big games it’s a good opportunity for them,” Koshansky said.

In the Trumbull game, Udell scored four goals as the Wreckers seized complete control in the opening half. DiMaio, Iannone, Schaefer and Weil all netted two. Halky, Timmy Herold, Matt Tybur, Clark (three assists) and Cisco Celotto all scored as well. Jay Anastasi and Celotto were strong on the draw.

The Wreckers, after going to New Jersey, return to FCIAC play with a visit to Greenwich at 11 a.m. Saturday. The next home game is Thursday, May 2, when New Canaan visits Westport at 5:30 p.m. (Game schedules are subject to change; click for the latest updates.) 

Andy Hutchison has been covering school sports — including Staples athletics — as well as news and feature stories in Fairfield County, since the 1990s.