MAY 30, 2000 TUESDAY 3:00 PM

Northport played excellent lacrosse today. They played with a spirit that matched their season's circumstances. Congratulations to the Tigers, their seniors, and Coach Searing for their dedication to the sport and community. 

The day was clear and cool- 65degrees- sun and clouds- brisk breeze. Perfect for lacrosse. Even so, the Patriots took quite a while to warm up, despite and early goal from Matt Monfett to get things going. The Tigers answered some minutes later to end the first tied at one apiece. Casino and Ferraro controlled faceoffs but the Pats were slow to use this to their advantage. Nick Miaritis scored quickly in the second to restore the lead in less than a minute. The Tigers pushed back with two straight to take their first lead at 3-2 midway through the period. This seemed to inspire the Patriots who finally showed some life. The ball started moving and the players used some stored energy. Matty Mo, Drew, and Nick Miaritis all scored outstanding goals to end the second and give Melville a 5-3 advantage at the break.

The feeling was that Melville would move ahead earlier than in previous contests with Northport due to the two goal margin. This was not to be. Although the team created many quality opportunities, we did not convert. Instead of opening a five goal lead, the Tigers took advantage of the lull to score three and take a 6-5 lead at the end of three. (There were some other reasons for our somewhat stifled play that had nothing to do with either team). At 7:27 in the fourth, Drew ripped one that rebounded to Josh at the crease, who fires it for the the tie at six. Two and a half minutes later, Matty scores from Nick M on a rare man-up, and again 36 seconds later, unassisted for an 8-6 lead with 4:15 to go. With 2:39 remaining, the Patriots set to run out the clock with Matsui handling the ball. With Jon in motion and the Tigers focusing on retrieval, he finds Nick Miaritis in position and feeds expertly for a quick finish. We win the faceoff but turn the ball over, giving Northport a late opportunity that they quickly took advantage of with 1:34 remaining. We again win the faceoff but do not load the ball cleanly into the box. (With under two minutes remaining, the ball did not move deep into the area). The Tigers regain possession and capitalize on an unsettled play to cut the margin to one with twenty five seconds remaining. One more Melville faceoff and one more turnover gives the Tigers another opportunity with less than ten seconds remaining. They manage a shot that Nicky G handles to close out an exciting game and a tenacious comeback from an inspired Tiger squad.

Nick Gentilesco played a solid game in nets today with some heads up saves late in the game. The Melville D allowed six goals through 38.5 minutes but seemed to relax a little earlier than Coach Martens would recommend. The offense and midfield created many quality opportunities that we will need to convert to be successful. All in all, a quality game from our Patriots and another 9-8 win over an inspired opponent. 

We can expect nothing but inspired opponents in these circumstances. But these Melville Patriots do not take things for granted. Their hard work and intensity has allowed them to overcome the adversities they have faced and will continue to face. They rise above rhetoric and excuses to reinforce each other. Each player stepping up to do his part for the good of the team. These players are one and will give everything they have in every game they play. That's what the program demands. It's what they give every day. 

They have earned the right to compete against West Islip (5-4 Winners over Smithtown) for the Suffolk County Championships at Hofstra University on Saturday June 3rd @ 5:30pm.

Work Hard. Go Patriots!