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Benny Borgognone brings a football mentality to the lacrosse field.

That should hardly come as a surprise.

After all, he’s a standout linebacker for Manhasset.

Borgognone, a sophomore,  describes himself as an aggressive, possession first defenseman. Those are traits similar to his brother, Frank, a senior defenseman for Manhasset, who has signed to play at Fairfield.

That’s where Benny Borgognone will also be headed after three more varsity seasons.

The 5-foot-10, 170-pound Borgognone decided on the Stags after being heavily recruited by many of the nation’s top programs.

Now, here are Benny’s thoughts on his commitment to Fairfield:

What were the main factors in your decision?
Fairfield has always been at the top of my list. In my meeting with (Head) Coach (Andy) Copelan I was amazed about how much he knew about me both academically and athletically.

I had a sense that I could become a part of the program committed to excellence. Coach Copelan, Coach Kevin Conry, Coach Tony Vallance and Coach Andy Whitley really made me feel comfortable and had me very excited about the opportunity to play lacrosse at Fairfield University.

I immediately knew that this was a team with coaches that I could play my heart out for. The moment I walked out of Coach Copelan’s office, I knew that I wanted to be a Stag.

On top of all this, Fairfield is a great academic school and I am confident that I will have a great future after I graduate.

My brother, Frank, also had a huge impact on my decision. He will be playing for the Stags this coming fall. I am really looking forward to winning a national championship with my brother.

I also like the fact that Fairfield is a Jesuit university filled with a tradition of mind, heart and spirit.

What other schools were you considering?
I was considering Hofstra, UPenn, Johns Hopkins, Yale, Princeton, Army, Villanova and Duke.

What are your strengths as a player and how do you describe your style of play?
I play an aggressive style of defense. I like to get out on my man, play position first and try to put the ball on the ground. I am a scavenger for ground balls and try to push transition into the offensive zone and make plays happen.

My footwork, one-on-one ability, off-ball communication and knowledge of the game gives me an advantage.

Playing football as a linebacker allowed me to develop a good awareness of what is around me.

What were some of the highlights of playing for Long Island Express?
It has been a great experience to play for Long Island Express. Coaches Jack Moran and Gene Isnardi have been crucial in my development as a lacrosse player. By playing up in age, it prepared me to play at a more competitive level.  

What are your thoughts on Manhasset’s season in 2011 and what are the team’s goals for 2012?
For the season of 2011, I believe that we had an experienced team with great chemistry. I believe that if we keep working hard with our dedicated coaches, we have all the tools to complete our goal of going undefeated in 2012.

With hard work, there is no limit on how great a team we can become. In 2012, we will not be holding anything back and bring nothing to the field but relentlessness.

I believe the main reason Manhasset has had so much success is because the players themselves have the skills and more importantly the willingness to work.

* For more info on Benny, check out his player profile by clicking here.

* Have a recruiting commitment to report? Email us at info@laxlessons.com.

Follow Joe Lombardi on Twitter @joe_lombardi or by clicking here. Follow LaxLessons @LaxLessons or by clicking here.

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