WARD MELVILLE   14   COMMACK   5

May 12, 2000

        The day began with the threat of rain and stormy weather.  The afternoon weather cooperated and by game time it was 60 degrees with a cloudy overcast.  This day had been marked on everyone's calendar as the day Joe Cuozzo and the Ward Melville lacrosse program would celebrate their 600th victory.  A monumental achievement in High School Sports and any other organized sport for that matter.

        The game started out with Commack scoring the first goal, which was exactly the same as a year before on the same field. Melville answered back on a man up goal from Drew Casino with an assist from Kurt Gerry.  It was the first long range shot taken by a Melville player in several games.  Great to see the ball moving again. Melville scored three more in the first quarter on goals from Monfett, on a nice assist from Nick Miaritis, Will O'Dwyer, and Casino.

        The second quarter began with two goals from Matt Monfett to make the score 6-1 Melville with 6:53 left in the half.  On the next face-off, Drew Casino scored unassisted on a fast break off the draw.  Melville 7-1. The Patriot onslaught would continue and there was a calm in the crowd who knew that the 600th win would happen on this day.  Melville scored three more from Monfett, Matsui, and Gerry.  Melville 10-1 at Half-time.

        The usual Melville game plan at this point would be to give the first units a couple of shifts to score and put the game out of reach, but Commack came out strong and scored the next two goals to make the score Melville 10 Commack 3. The Patriots went back to work and scored the next three goals, two from Monfett and one from Miaritis.

        Coach Cuozzo now with his 600th victory assured substituted freely.  Billy Jautze scored on a nice feed from Jordan Funt for Melville's last and 14th goal of the day.  Commack scored the last 2 goals of the game to end the scoring.  Melville 14 Commack 5.

        The win marked the achievement the entire Patriot team and Three Village Community had been waiting for this year.  There was a large weight lifted form the players, coaches and fans. Congratulations to all the fine young men who participated in the Ward Melville Lacrosse program and were part of the 600 wins.  It is a credit to all, and especially Joe Cuozzo for bringing Lacrosse to Ward Melville High School.  Thank you Joe!!!

        Work Hard!!!!  Do not take any game for granted!!!  Beat Darien!!!!  Go Patriots!!!

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