JUNE 3, 2000 SATURDAY 6:00 PM

West Islip came into this game as the number two seed in the county, having beaten the number two and three teams in Sachem and Smithtown late in the season to claim the two spot. Based on the scores, West Islip had been outstanding defensively, and scored enough to win. The Patriots had been through a number of battles and were thought by some to be vulnerable because of some close games. It seems that the Patriots were united in answering that lingering question in person, between the lines.

West Islip began the game with an intensity that challenged every possession. With Drew winning faceoffs, the Lions pushed hard to disrupt play and create some turn-overs. Melville pushed back and settled their offense, moving the ball patiently and observing WI's defensive counters. The Pat's D played outstanding throughout the match with Nick Gentilesco making some key saves early on. Nick was tested both outside and in close as West Islip created early opportunities. He stoned two at the crease and two or three outside as the D settled in, giving up one at the end of the first. The close D of Passavia, Kelaher, and Belvedere then proceeded to clamp down on their opponents, not yielding any more shooting space for the remainder of the game. Mele, Theodorakis, Cleaver, Ferraro, and company played with energy and efficiency, thoroughly blocking the defensive midfield. 

The offense was skillful and observant as they picked apart the WI defenses. Drew Casino had his shooting strings in the right place, exploding offensively with a five goal game. Together with Matty Moe, they hit early and often, firing missiles from all points of the compass. Impossible shots to stop and a joy to watch. Drew netted two in the first quarter while the WI defense looked to mark Matty out of the game. Jon Matsui and Nick Miaritis were outstanding, moving the ball, scoring, winning loose balls, checking...everything. The Patriots took their time scoring number one while their fans were hoping for some early offensive spark. With the Lions making life difficult, the Pats found the seams. A lull after the first goal, and then three more. The Lions were shut down in their early shots which could have cut the margins to 4-2 or 4-3 in the first but Nicky G would not allow it. In the second, the midfield and offense took more control and started to run the table. The defense was impenetrable with Chris P working all areas of the zone with menacing intensity. Today Melville played with a great deal of poise...their performance spoke volumes. 

The second half saw a renewed West Islip squad push to get something going. Driving and working the ball and creating some opportunities only to be turned away yet again by an outstanding defensive performance as the precision Melville O' resumed its scoring. From end to end the Patriots were determined to perform at a level they are capable of. West Islip was officially out of the game within minutes of the second half and Melville responded by getting every Patriot on the field as the balance of the Patriot contingent played the entire fourth period on the turf at Hofstra in the Suffolk County Finals!  Rapisarda, Searle, and Cleaver all scored to help bring the final tally to 15.

As said before, we can expect nothing but inspired opponents in these circumstances. In return, these Patriots have sent a clear message of their own...they're bringing their 'A' game now. They intend to see this thing through. 

Check back later for the play by play action.

The Patriots will play for the Long Island Championships at Hofstra University on next Tuesday evening, June 6th at 7:30pm.

Work Hard. Go Patriots!

P.S. Like so many others in the lacrosse community recently, the Lions were also victims of fate in their personal lives. The father of one of the West Islip players was tragically killed in a car accident while rushing to the semi-final game against Smithtown. We offer our condolences to the family and players and wish them the strength to persevere.