WARD MELVILLE 12      NORTHPORT 6

JUNE 1, 1999

The Ward Melville Patriots won a hard fought lacrosse game today 12-6 over Northport to advance to the county finals on Saturday at Hofstra.  The county final game will be the second game of the afternoon and will face-off at about 5:00PM. The Patriots will face Huntington who beat Sachem 10-7 in the other semi-final matchup.

The Patriots were tested today against a team that beat Farmingdale earlier in the year. Northport played close defense and challenged on every play.   Melville's play resembled some early season games and was characterized by unforced errors and casual stick protection. (The team moved slowly from the start). When they did get to the goal the shooting was not up to par. Combine that with a hot Northport goaltender having an outstanding game stopping 12 Melville shots, some at point blank range. We helped some by missing the cage at the end of executed passing sequences (unforced, including open net) and hitting the goalies body parts on shots he didn't see (positional saves?). The field itself seemed slippery as our players routinely slid to the turf unassisted making the play more uncertain. The Melville defense allowed only one more goal than their previous meeting but played without spark during much of the contest.

There were some good moments in the first half. Down a goal, Matt Monfett steals the ball and goes directly to the goal to tie at one. Nick Mayer then worked the ball and found Drew Casino (excellent game) who rips one home for a 2-1 lead. Patriots score again...Preuss to Monfett and go up 3-1. While Melville was busy shooting itself in the foot, Northport fights back with two goals to tie at 3 with 1:08 left in the half. After the ensuing faceoff Willy Passavia penetrates and finds Preuss who delivers an acrobatic goal to put Melville up 4-3 at the half.

Fortunately the haze did not last the entire game. The game was close throughout until the fourth quarter when Melville pulled away. Melville's one goal lead at the end of the third had Northport believing and the Melville fans grieving...but when would they wake up?!! Finally, the Patriots decided that ground balls were an important part of the game. Drew Casino (2g,0a) and Chris Biel continued their pace at the faceoff circle (losing very few to unsettled situations that were adjusted for). The defense tightened with strong efforts from Ryan Kellaher, Mike Carolan, and Nick Belvedere. After the 4-3 halftime lead the game pulled even at 5-5. Casino then rifled on the run for a 6-5 lead which seemed to get the boys pumped at the end of the third quarter. This time, as the possessions were won and the passes made, the goals were scored with authority. The sluggishness was gone and the team re-energized. They looked like a team again, with the vision to see the next play while controlling possession. Players were in motion, the passing crisp, and the shooting on target. No more body saves, no more casual ball handling, no more ball watching. Melville ball.....controlled and intense, creating  and seizing opportunities. Preuss scored the next goal for a 7-5 two goal lead with seven minutes on the clock.  Six goals would be drained while the opponent could do little to stop the pressure. Gerry to Monfett, Monfett to Mayer, Mayer to Preuss, Monfett to Preuss, Passavia to Cunningham. Just like that....case closed....game over.

With their first real playoff contest behind them it looks like they have their bearings. Each team is fighting for survival and will fight till the end or as long as Melville leaves hope on the table. This young team is now ready to show what they can do. And they will. From the first faceoff to the last whistle, one game at a time.

Play hard. Go Patriots!!

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