APRIL 29, 2000 SATURDAY NIGHT

Night games are great because they give you the feeling that you're at an event that is bigger than an ordinary game. Saturday night lax with two Nassau/Suffolk rivalries was spirited and exciting despite the lopsided scores from each game. It doesn't matter that Sachem and Melville are arch rivals; tonight they supported each other against their 'other county' opponents. It also doesn't matter that all four coaches (four star?) attend summer camp together every year, on Saturday night you play to win. 

Melville won big, but Baldwin fought to the last whistle. There was no quitting on the field. But Melville was ready for this one and came to play. Two goals opened the game in less than a minute. With Drew winning the faceoffs and streaking down field setting up bang-bang plays that few teams can match or defend. The Patriots were keyed up and determined with the defense looking intense and focused. Baldwin got on the boards with a late goal in the first (3-1) but would not cross the line again. Passavia, Kelaher, Belvedere, and Mele were too much for the young Baldwin team to handle. Passavia was again relentless in pursuit of his mark; Kelaher probed, checked, and stripped; and Belvedere never let anyone inside. Mele worked the perimeters and midfield with grit and speed...he was everywhere. The defensive midfielders were always in the right place at the right time. Ground balls were created by the defense and retrieved by a hungry Melville squad.

Melville's offense was led by an inspired Matt Monfett who seemed to have found some rocket boosters to add to his jet speed. Matty Mo' streaked past his defenders with an acceleration that surpassed any other game I've seen. He ran through double teams with an efficiency that was remarkable even in light of his consistent  scoring ability. His performance earned him the MVP award for the game. But of course this is every bit a team game and it is Melville's ability to utilize their collective assets that keys their success. Every man on that stepped on that field, including the second attack+, defense, and third+ midfields, played tough and exciting lacrosse. The Casino, Cunningham, Gerry line controlled the field with the Applegate, Ferraro, O'Dwyer line having a similar impact. Jon Matsui had another outstanding performance as he continues to find his 'varsity legs' while Nick Miaritis completed the attack chemistry that was too much for Baldwin to handle. Nick Gentilesco did not see many shots but slammed the door with two fantastic point blank saves near the very end of the game. (details to follow)

One sided but very well done!

Go Patriots!