The Comsewogue Warriors (11-1)proved why they’re in the Top 5 boys lacrosse teams on Long Island on Tuesday night after their 12-7 win over Miller Place (5-7). Comsewogue followed their 11th regular season win with their senior night celebrations under the lights.
The Warriors went into this game slow and steady, letting the Panthers hold their only lead of the game right in the beginning. Miller Place junior middie, Anthony Bartolotto, helped Miller Place hold a 2-0 lead for the first 8 minutes of the game, scoring the second goal mid-way through the first quarter. In addition to this goal, Bartolotto had two assists, earning his 100th career point and 45th point of the season on Tuesday.
“Overall, I’m so proud of the guys on the team and how hard we’ve been fighting this entire season with just 13 guys,” the Cornell commit said.
Shortly after Miller Place’s goals, Comsewogue’s Jake Deacy and Corey Watson answered to bring it to a tie before sophomore Justin Bonacci helped the Warriors take a 3-2 lead. Deacy then scored his second goal of the game in succession to Bonacci, and the Warriors wrapped up the first half with a 6-3 lead.
Deacy has been a key component of Comsewogue’s rapid ball movement on offense this season, with 49 points prior to Tuesday night’s game. This senior attacker is committed to Marist and has witnessed the Warriors’ lacrosse program expand and improve over the last few years. “Being a part of this team is something special,” Deacy said. “I’ve been playing with these guys since 2nd grade so the chemistry and brotherhood we have is like no other.”
Returning from halftime, Comsewogue was able to separate the score quickly, and shared the wealth on offense. Within the second half, the Warriors had goals scored by James Krieg, Cole Donley, James Mantione and Brendan McCrary to name a few.
However, Miller Place’s defense brought the heat. Panthers goalie, Kenny Leen, is a Top 5 goalie on the island, with 124 saves leading up to last night’s game.
In the end, the Warriors were able to secure their 12-7 win, going 11-1 this season, but not without one last goal from Miller Place’s Patrick Ging in the last 40 seconds of the game.
Now, the Warriors look to prepare one of Suffolk County’s top competitors on Thursday— Bayport-Blue Point (9-2). “We’re heading into Bayport like we do every other game. Our coach says it best, ‘Respect all, fear none,’” Deacy said. “It’s something that we have embraced this year. We know they are a good team that’s going to put up a good fight. We just have to stick to the game plan and keep our heads in line.”
