A nine-goal first quarter propelled the Syosset Braves to a dominant 16-3 win over the East Meadow Jets in a Conference A boy’s lacrosse showdown on Wednesday, April 10 in East Meadow.
“I think we got off the bus ready to go,” Syosset head coach John Calabria said. “It went our way today. It was our day.”
Sophomore Joe Bueti led the Braves with five goals on the day. Classmate AJ Alexander and junior Kent Sato also recorded hat tricks, each scoring three in the win.
“Our attack really put up some good numbers,” Calabria said. “[They] played together really well – shared the ball.”
This is Bueti’s second hat trick in as many games.
“[Bueti] is the kind of kid that works really hard,” Calabria said. “He’s a tremendous worker. He really looked great today.”
Bueti also picked up an assist while Alexander dished the ball out twice.
Syosset rotated between senior Ryan Lenson and freshman Luca Accardo in the faceoff x. Neither one lost a single faceoff.
“It really changes the game when you have the ability – and we have two guys – that can really wear down another team’s faceoff guy,” Calabria said. “We did a real nice job today at the faceoff line.”
Syosset’s starting goalie, senior Anthony Celauro, recorded four saves while sophomore Joseph Greco picked up two saves after coming in in the second and fourth quarters.
Although Syosset spent most of the game on offense, only allowing three goals is still a difficult task.
“Defensively, they’ve been buying into the system and they’ve been tremendous,” Calabria said.
“To only give up three goals against a program like East Meadow is phenomenal.”
The Braves (7-1, 3-0) are now on a six-game winning streak and are the last remaining team without a conference loss.
“Our team is [better than we thought we would be] because they just love each other,” Calabria said. “They have a great vibe as a team and they’re buying in to being coached. It’s been a great experience so far.”
Sophomore Chris Barry led the way for the Jets, scoring two goals in the loss. Classmate Joe Giambald also scored.
Syosset hit the ground running, scoring four goals in the first six minutes of the game. Then scored five in the final six minutes of the first quarter.
“We took it to them early and often,” Calabria said.
East Meadow (3-5, 2-1) did not have an offensive possession until there were five minutes remaining in the first quarter.
Bueti had his hat trick halfway through the second quarter as the Braves took an 11-0 lead at the half.
The second half had a lame-duck feel to it as Syosset had all but decided the game in the first two quarters of play.
The Braves outscored the Jets 5-3 in the second half en route to their 16-3 victory.
Next on the docket for Syosset is Hicksville High School, who they play on Friday, April 12 at 4:15 p.m. in Syosset.
East Meadow will look to bounce back against Freeport High School on Friday, April 12 at 4:45 p.m. in Freeport.
