WARD MELVILLE 14 WEST ISLIP 2
It's strictly formula lacrosse. Win the faceoffs and bring the ball down
to the crease with a few flat passes and finish to the open net. Neat.
That got the first goal done in well under a minute. West Islip then
tightened up the 'D' and the game settled in a little. Melville had a
number of good attacks that ended in a quality shot turned aside.
Consistent through this was the Patriot's defense, which spoiled almost
every developing shot potential before the shots were even taken. In the
offensive zone, Melville was quick to recover ground balls and resume
their attack. Once again the team played with very few errors. The boys
made good decisions and handled their responsibilities well. The
first quarter finished at 3-0 and the second period added another 3 for
a 6-0 halftime lead.
Matt Monfett opened the scoring with an unassisted drive and patented
finish. After a penalty to Kurt Gerry, Shane Ferraro recovered the on a
good check and started a Cunningham to Miaritis connection for goal
number 2. Chris Passavia was knocking the ball loose in the defensive
zone as this D crew of Chris, Nick Belvedere, and Ryan Kelaher locked down their territory. On an ensuing fast
break, the resulting shot was saved and the rebound scooped up by Nick
Miaritis who worked the ball to Cunningham who feeds Monfett this time
for the third and final goal of the period. Casino and Ferraro were
dominant at faceoffs, giving Melville outstanding possession
opportunities.
The offense was a little slow on
the draw early in the second period, having to chase the ball after some
forced passes and shots. Melville also sustained its third team penalty
of the day. Nick Belvedere was called for a slash. (Hmmm). After about 5
minutes the Pats finally struck in the person of Matty Mo’ for his
third on the day, breaking through two defenders. Goal number 5 comes on
an EMO when Kurt Gerry slings a pass down low to Todd Cunningham who
receives it low and sweeps it in one motion for a 6 yard winner. Chris
Mele and Thomas Theodorakis also added some more defensive punch in the man
down and other situations. The final goal of the half was scored in the
closing seconds as Monfett threaded the needle on a feed to Miaritis on
the crease who one times it home before anyone can react. 6-0 at the
break. Number seven: Casino forward
faceoff in motion to Nick M. to Todd C. to the back of the cage. Still,
the defense is winning play after play and bringing the ball back for
use by the offense. Chris P did take time for a couple of shots on
breakaways and Ryan K was picking passes out of the air. (Sidebar-after a save by WI and an outlet, Monfett chased his man
to midfield and popped a perfect check with the end of his stick which sent the ball
flying and back into Melville possession- This attack with Cunningham
and Miaritis, who can double as midfieders, can ride hard). Number eight brought together Nick
Miaritis who sends a beautiful feed to Sophmore Jon Matsui, finishing
the opportunity quickly and smoothly. A Casino cannon accounts for
number nine as Drew capitalized on the opportunity from the top. The
period finishes with Todd C. feeding Matty Mo’ one more time to go up
10-1. The defense held to one goal
against on a man-down situation near the end of the game to finish West
Islip’s scoring at two goals. Melville wrapped things up with a nice
shot from Shane Ferraro assisted by Todd C.; Josh Ben-Eliyahu from Cole
Ferraro and Jon Matsui; Ian Applegate from Jon Matsui; and finished with
Cole Ferraro unassisted for number 14. Nick Gentilesco punctuated his
performance with a full field rush and shot on goal as he fell near the
crease. STATISTICS
MONFETT Onward
team 2000! Sweat Equity. (Work your butt off) See
you at Longwood on Wednesday April 5th. PS.
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