WARD MELVILLE 11     YORKTOWN 8

JUNE 10, 1999

Yorktown was on fire tonight! This is one talented bunch of underclassmen and I think we're greatfull they might drop a division! They played a fast, skilled game and once again challenged Melville at every turn. This was an exciting game played by two very good squads but for the 21st time this season the Patriots got the job done!

Melville controlled the first possession and looked as if they would have their way at first. The first few drives ended with some astute defensive interference, tampered shots, and quality saves. Yorktown was quick to retreive any loose balls and cleared very well. Their stick skills and passing are very good and allowed for some quality possession time. Brett Raboy got the boys going with a high energy goal (his first of two on the night) which lifted the spirits well into the first half. This was answered with a bouncer that Derek Kunkel didn't get a good look at to tie the score at 1-1. The Pat's went up 2-1 on a rifle from Drew Casino. The lead didn't last as the Pat's paid the price for ground ball work as they fell behind 2-3 to end the first. The defense steadied itself, holding the Yorktown's offense to one goal in the 2nd. Nick Mayer scored on a never-say-die drive to the crease. Chris Passavia cleared upfield and moved close when no one slid; he fired a hot shot for the last goal of the period for a 4-4 tie at the half.

The Patriots came out forcefully to start the second half and put two nice goals on the board for the first 2 goal lead of the game. Chris Biel with hard work down low for one of them. (Matt Monfett's non-goal hit off the cross bar, bounced into the goal with backspin, and came out with no goal called despite Brendan Morgan's celebration! (Brendan played great scoring 2 and 2 to help power the team). This could have been significant but it all worked out in the end). Just when we thought the Patriots might pull away at 6-4, the Yorktown squad picked up loose balls caused by brilliant Melville checks, and capitalized on 2 quick opportunities to tie the game at 6-6! We traded again while the Yorktown goalie and Derek Kunkel were steering aside crease attacks with intuition and ended the third tied at 7 each (shades of Northport, except these guys were organized).  Brendan Morgan and Derrick Preuss also scored on tenacious plays.

The final period of what could have been the final game of the season opened and sent the fans reeling as Yorktown put up the first goal for an 8-7 lead! Fortunately, the fans were concerned but the team continued to work.  The Pat's answered to tie the game and went up for good on goal number nine on a determined shot from Drew Casino for his second of the night. Matt Monfett slammed the door as he netted 2 in the closing minutes to end the scoring at 11-8. (Goals 81 and 82 for Matt tie him for the all time season record for Ward Melville HS lacrosse). Congrats to the defensive squad including Chris Passavia, checking and shutting down his marks and Bryan Mendez' heads up check (with Passavia down on the turf) to stop a point blank shot. Todd Cunningham again performing admirably along with the long sticks.

Melville played well and prevailed by three goals despite facing the most energetic, skilled, and determined team of the season. These guys looked nothing like the team we beat in April. Even the goalie was hot, stopping many point blank shots!

This was a great win for the Patriots...a test that they did well on...an appropriate preparation for the STATE FINALS!

Be there!

Play hard. Go Patriots!!!!

(to be continued)

STATISTICS