South Side boys lacrosse's Alec Notaro goes 18-for-18 on faceoffs in victory over Carey
South Side's Alec Notaro carries the ball during a Nassau boys lacrosse game against South Side at South High School on Thursday, April 9, 2026, in Rockville Centre. Credit: Derrick Dingle
Alec Notaro got in position at the faceoff X for the start of South Side vs. Carey. The junior immediately gave the Cyclones possession. The X marked the special specialist’s spot of excellence throughout this lacrosse game.
He won all 18 faceoffs in an 11-5 non-league victory Thursday at South Side, the Marquette commit’s third perfect game for the 5-2 Cyclones.
“I take a lot of pride (in this),” Notaro said. “ . . . To go out there and go 100%, it’s a big accomplishment. It reflects on how much work I’ve put into this, and it feels good.
“I think I give my team a huge advantage, especially if I go 100% . . . The more possessions, the more chances you have to score.”
Jack Muscarella scored three times and had two assists. Cole Perna and Reagan Petrone added two goals apiece. Notaro collected the ground ball on the 18 faceoffs.
“It’s a game changer certainly to be able to keep having possessions,” Cyclones coach Steve DiPietro said. “He’s getting better and better and more comfortable as he goes. We’re going to need him as the season goes on, for sure.”
South Side, a 2025 Class C finalist, is aiming for its fourth Nassau final in five years and second title in three years.
“I think that we really have a good shot at it if we keep up the momentum, keep going and keep working hard,” Muscarella said.
Muscarella closed from the right side and scored, giving South Side an early 3-0 lead. It was 4-2 after one quarter and 6-3 at halftime after Muscarella scored again.
Then Tyler Sumrani delivered. Muscarella followed with another goal and set up one by Perna — 9-3 after three.
“We’re a work in progress,” DiPietro said, “so it’s good to keep trending in the positive direction.”
Ethan Pelzer and Vince Vicari posted two goals apiece and Steven Martinez stopped 19 shots for the 3-4 Seahawks.
“Honestly, we’re at that stage of our season (where) we just want to get better,” coach Tom Aiello said. “So winning the game, it’s not even on our plate. We just want to do things better.”
