Patriots Get Win #7 with 16 – 8 Victory over

 Patchogue-Medford in League Play!!!

After six games into this 2002 season, it would seem that Ward Melville would take a lesson from previous games slow starts, but it was not to be again today when the Patriots had to overcome a first quarter deficit to overtake the Raiders of Patchogue-Medford at the Raiders first class new turf field on an unseasonably hot, sunny day in April.

The Bulls controlled the early faceoffs and scored the first two goals of the game before junior midfielder Ryan Preuss went in unassisted to put Melville’s first point up. Senior defenseman Brian Lange ended the quarter with a nifty dodge and pass off to the Patriots midfield after a ground ball pick up, but Melville trailed at the end of the 1^st by 3 –1.

The 2^nd and 3^rd quarters proved once again to be the dominate periods of play for the Patriots as they went on a 14 –1 scoring campaign to end the third quarter with a score of WM 15 PM 4. Of the 14 Melville goals, 8 were unassisted with super individual efforts by senior midfielders Ed Rogan (3) and  John Keysor (2) , junior midfielder Michael Ward (2), and senior attackman Jon Matsui with one. Senior attackman Pete Kasper added two more, with senior midfielders Jordan Funt, and Keysor, and attackmen Matsui and junior Dave Schwartzberg rounding out the scoring for the Patriots. Senior midfielders Ryan Blaney and Joe Higgins provided some big hustle plays, faceoff wins,  and key defense in both periods to add to the Patriots’ momentum. 

In the 4^th quarter, the Patriots scored their final 16^th goal by junior middie Andrew Vorwald on a nice assist by senior attackman Billy Granger. Melville’s 4^th quarter highlights featured junior midfielders Carl Mills, Greg Graziano, Bryan Gray and junior defensemen Jimmy Campisi, Tom Duggan, and Greg Holownia. Junior goaltenders Shane Brennan and Justin Arini combined to close down the Raiders in the final minutes.

The Pats youngest fan numero uno, Matthew Higgins, summed it all up by stating, “I had two great things today, a great lunch my Mom gave me, and great Ward Melville win, but let’s try for a faster start next game, o.k. guys?”

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE PATRIOTS ON WIN #7!!!!!!!

WM plays Lindenhurst on Sat April 20, 10:00 a.m. at Kelhum Street School

Please be there to support your Patriots 2002!

Go Patriots!

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