CSH Tops Huntington Lax
on Frigid Night
It was billed as a classic and it turned out to be just that as the Cold Spring Harbor boys' lacrosse team came from behind to top Huntington, 4-3 in four overtimes last Saturday night before a crowd of 1,000 at Seahawks Field.
Huntington held 1-0, 2-1 and 3-2 leads, but could never put the game away as the Blue Devil offense struggled to find consistency. Midfielders Ben Kocis, Connor Birchard and Josh Long scored goals for Huntington. Attack Billy Martin added an assist. T.J. Greenhill was masterful in goal, stopping 13 shots.
It was a frigid March night with temperatures hovering in the low 40s, but the wind chill making it feel much colder. Blue Devil fans came bundled up and even wrapped in blankets, but they made their presence felt by cheering loudly throughout the game.
With Huntington leading 3-2, Cold Spring Harbor's Allen Winkoff tied the score with 4:22 remaining in the fourth quarter. The teams then engaged in furious play the rest of the way, with neither able to put the ball between the pipes. Three straight overtimes continued the standoff.
The Seahawks finally ended the stalemate when Winkoff scored the game-winning goal 42 seconds into the fourth extra frame. The loss stung Huntington, which dropped a 6-5 double overtime contest to Cold Spring Harbor last spring. The Blue Devils went without the services of senior midfielder Patrick Reilly, who was sidelined by illness. Reilly is expected to return this week.
In addition to Winkoff's two goals, Jordan Walter and Jake Gennosa also scored for Cold Spring Harbor. Chris Roufanis recorded 11 saves in goal for the Seahawks.
The Blue Devils' defense was impressive throughout the game, frustrating the Seahawks' offense and interrupting its flow and hustling after ground balls. Fans appreciated the aggressive play of both teams. Despite the chilly weather, the grandstand remained pack until the final goal in the rare Saturday evening game.
Huntington head coach Paul McDermott, assistant Julian Watts and volunteer assistant and former Blue Devil great Charlie Paar have already turned the team's attention to the start of the league schedule this week.