By RYAN ARENA

Sports Editor

A rebuilding year for St. Charles continued on Tuesday, as the Comets fell 3-0 to Rummel at Rummel.

“We just didn’t have a lot of offensive firepower against Rummel,” said St. Charles Coach Rick Woodroof.

The loss dropped St. Charles to 0-10 this season, after a 2007 campaign that saw the Comets fall in the state quarterfinals to Newman.

Now, Woodroof oversees a team mostly comprised of freshman and sophomores — the team rosters just three seniors and two juniors.

But it’s starting to come around, he says.

“This group is starting to grasp some of the things it takes to be successful,” says Woodroof. “Even if they’re not great players yet, they’re getting better. They’re learning to be physical, to hustle, to not be intimidated. They’re starting to get it.”

St. Charles also competed last weekend at the Pearl River tournament, where it dropped three games.

Last Friday, SCC fell 4-2 to Shaw. Pierre St. Martin scores both goals for the Comets.

“He’s a swimmer, so he’s coming on a bit late with us,” said Woodroof. “He was a little rusty, but he’s doing a good job controlling the ball. He’s starting to show up now.”

On Saturday, the Comets fell to East St. John, 5-0. (See ESJ story for details). Later in the day, SCC fell to Pope John Paul II, 2-0.

“We played fairly well in all three games,” said Woodroof. “We’re just looking for improvement.”

The Comets lost goalkeeper Gerard Giangrosso to injury in the second half of the first Shaw game, so Paul Cupit took over in his stead. Cupit has started at the position in each of the last three games.

“He’s picked up the slack for us, especially for not being a goalie to begin with,” said Woodroof. “We don’t have a lot of depth to begin with. He’s done a pretty good job in there.”

The Comets defense has been steady all season, and good play from Cupit and Giangrosso is one reason why.

Another is the play of defenders like sophomore Ben Brady, who Woodroof praised for his consistent effort.

“He plays well every game,” Woodroof said. “Ben’s really been one of my top defenders all season. He keeps bringing the same kind of energy level, and it always seems to be a step above everyone else’s.”