WARD MELVILLE 14 WEST ISLIP 10

APRIL 27, 1999

On a sunny spring day before a large crowd for both teams the Ward Melville Patriots hosted West Islip. Prior to the game these teams represented the number one and number two ranked teams in Suffolk County.

The teams were prepared for a tough battle. Early in the game each team scored almost at will. Ward Melville and West Islip traded goals at 2-2. Ward Melville answered with three goals for a 5-2 lead at the end of the first quarter. In a flash, the scoreboard read 6-5 Melville. West Islip was ready to play and did not back down after trailing by three goals.

Ward Melville then went on a scoring rampage led by their sophomore attackman Matt Monfett. Senior attackman Derrick Preuss returned to action after being out with a hand injury (4 goals and one assist on the day- welcome back). Melville scored the next six goals and led 12-6 at halftime. This sequence saw Melville move the ball quickly and accurately-the players moving off the ball very well. Melville at it's best. West Islip was the Patriot's best opponent to date and forced them to step it up if they wanted to win. They rose to the occassion. Melville attacked from all angles with a pace that even the photographers couldn't keep up with - let alone the defense.

The West Islip team demonstrated tenacity and stayed in the game for the entire second half. There were some questionable calls by the officials, but that is how the game is played.

In the second half the Patriots leading by a comfortable margin, played without the enthusiasm of the first half. At the end of the game Melville prevailed 14-10.

The day belonged to Matt Monfett. He set a new one game scoring record for total points collecting 8 goals and 5 assists. Amazing, considering the tradition at Ward Melville and all of the players in the past 30 years. Matt accounted for an assist or goal for 13 out of Melville's 14 points. He was on fire, in a zone, and was a joy to watch.

STATISTICS

TEAM	1	2	3	4	F
WEST ISLIP	2	4	1	3	10
MELVILLE	5	7	2	0	14

PLAYER	GOALS	ASSISTS	POINTS
MONFETT	8	5	13
PREUSS	4	1	5
CASINO	1	1	2
GERRY	1	1	2
MORGAN	0	2	2
PASSAVIA W.	0	1	1
MAYER	0	1	1


GOALIE	SHOTS	SAVES	GOALS
KUNKEL	27	8	8
GENTILESCO	4	0	2
FACE-OFFS	CASINO9/14	BIEL7/12

PHOTOS (By Bruce Larrabee)

Drew Casino lunges forward after winning the face-off on a fast break leading to a goal.	Derrick Preuss celebrating after scoring one of his 4 goals!
Matt Monfett! 8 Goals 5 Assists-Enough said!!	Brendan Morgan on a drive to the cage.