WARD MELVILLE  15  PATCHOGUE-MED  6

Melville Tops Pat-Med 15-6 in Season Opener

The defending NYS Champion Ward Melville Patriots returned to winning form with a decisive opening day win over the Raiders of Patchogue-Medford.

  Melville’s attack featured returning All-American Senior, Matt Monfett, who tallied 6 goals and 1 assist.

  The game opened with both teams looking to establish their superiority. After a slow start, Melville scored 3 goals to end the first quarter 3-0.

  Melville uncharacteristically committed several penalties at the start of the 2^nd quarter, which resulted in 2 Raider man-up scores.  However, Melville dominated on offense scoring 6 goals to end the half at 9-2.

  The Raiders were held scoreless in the 3^rd quarter by a confident Melville defense anchored by returning All-County Senior defender, Ryan Kelaher.  Senior All- County Goalkeeper Nick Gentilesco was sharp in goal making 12 saves and holding Pat-Med to only 2 goals through the 3^rd quarter of play.  Melville added 4 goals in the 3^rd quarter to extend their lead to 13-2.

  The 4^th quarter allowed Melville to substitute much of its squad allowing the Raiders to pop-in 4 quick goals by #23, who took advantage of the youthful Melville squad. 

  The Raiders offense featured a solid effort by #23 and #30 who combined for 8 points out of the total 10 points generated by Pat-Med.

  In response to the four goal rally, Melville returned several starters to slow Raider momentum.

Senior Midfielder, Nick Miaritis, took control of the offense scoring his fourth goal of the day.  Melville’s 4^th quarter offense was also supported by Sophomore rookie, Dave Schwartzberg, scoring 3 goals and 1 assist in his first varsity game. 

  The Patriots were supported by a good effort from midfielders, Sophomore Mike Ward (1assist), Senior Shane Ferraro (1goal) and Junior John Kaiser.  Long pole, Junior, Thomas Theodorakis was solid in picking up groundballs, several from face offs.

  Unofficial Scoring Totals

  Goals:  WM-Monfett (6), Miaritis (4), Schwartzberg (3), Jautze (1), Ferraro (1)…PM- #23(5), #30 (1)

  Assists:  WM-Monfett, Miaritis, Schwartzberg, Matsui, Kelaher, Ward…PM-#30 (2), #23, #13

  The #1 ranked Patriots will face off against William Floyd H.S. tomorrow, Thurs., 3/29,at 4pm on their home field.

PHOTOS BY BRUCE LARRABEE