WARD MELVILLE 13      HUNTINGTON 7

MAY 7, 1999

This game was played in the tall grass on the stadium field at Melville. A slick track that required some adjustments as the teams got used to the conditions. Despite being on Melville's home field, it was Huntington that got it going. A combination of outside shots and crease cutting caught the Patriots flatfooted as Huntington took the early lead at 2-0. The Patriots answered back with a rapid fire goal by a cutting Drew Casino (on and assist from Matt Monfett) who went on to have a great game at faceoff and on the scoreboard (9/10 fo; 3g). Huntington ran the same play successfully for goal #3 which was answered again by Casino (assisted by Willy Passavia). Don't fix it if it ain't broke, Huntington scores again to end the first period at 4-2.

Huntington continued to press its plan but was now thwarted by goalie Derek Kunkel in concert with his harder working defensive crew. Chris Passavia adjusted his footing as did teammates Brian Mendez, Ryan Kellaher, and Mike Carolan (ground balls anyone?), bringing their sticks to bear on Huntington's attack, slowing them and winning possessions in the process. Senior middie Brett Raboy, Derrick Preuss (4g), and Matt Monfett each scored unassisted goals earned with adept moves and vision that brought Melville it's first lead of the game at 5-4. In the closing seconds one of the Patriots slipped to the turf opening a clear shot for Huntington to tie at five for the half. Melville's middies had produced the first three of the five first half goals.

Melville's faceoff duo of Casino and Chris Biel (8/12 fo) kept the ball in the Patriot's possession as they began to attack with regularity. Drew scored the first goal of the second half for #3 of the day (assisted by Willy P. (2a)). The defense was checking successfully and allowed Chris Passavia a few full field runs for well placed passes and shots. With the team in control now and the lines moving much better, Brett Raboy (2g) scored another unassisted goal followed by quick play finding Derrick Preuss on a feed from Brendan Morgan for goal number 8 to end the 3rd at 8-5 Melville.

By the fourth period the midfield and defensive lines had staked their claim and the attack went to work. Excellent motion and patience brought the first goal on a sweet shot by Derrick Preuss (4g) from Todd Cunningham; then Matty Mo' unassisted; then Matty Mo' unassisted; (Deja Vu' ? pretty goals!); Derrick Preuss unassisted; and Todd Cunningham on a drive against Huntington's Gold Medal defenseman for goal #13 to close the scoring for the Patriots (13-5). At this time some fresh legs were added for the Patriot's but they, like the other lines before them, did not adjust quickly. We held the ball well for a while but ended the game by giving up two quick goals with under a minute left in the game to skew the score at 13-7.

This was a good contest by two good teams but as we've seen before in this season, Melville is capable of making adjustments during the course of a game. Whether it's tactical changes or a simple gut check is not important. Getting it done is what it's all about. Keep working hard. Go Patriots!

STATISTICS

PHOTOS  (By Bruce Larrabee)

Senior Attackman Derrick Preuss.  His play has been exceptional since his return to action on 4/27/99.

Senior Middie Brett Raboy.  He had two goals on the day.

Junior Middie Will O'Dwyer.

Junior Midfielder Drew Casino. He won 9 of 10 face-offs and had 3 goals.  Great day!

Junior Defenseman Chris Passavia on one of his patented full field clears.  Chris has outstanding speed and quickness.