Annunziata’s Goal Lifts Huntington Over Northport, 7-6
May 5, 2023
Anthony Annunziata’s fourth goal with 6.2 seconds remaining lifted the Huntington boys’ lacrosse team over Northport, 7-6 giving the Blue Devils the program’s biggest win in several years.
The teams traded goals in the first 12 minutes before Northport took a 2-1 lead. Huntington stormed back with a pair of goals to go ahead, 3-2 before the Tigers again rallied, this time for three answered goals, including one with just 19.5 seconds left in the first half.
Trailing 5-3, Huntington stayed close with two more goals in the third period. Trailing 6-5, the Blue Devils finished strong. McDonald tied the game at 6-6 with about 4:14 remaining and a short while later, Annunziata worked his magic with a blistering low shot that got past Northport goalie Michael Tittmann.
Huntington goalie SammyMac Arner needed to be perfect and he was, stopping shot after shot launched by Northport’s powerful attack and midfield units and allowing only a single second half goalie. The Blue Devil senior made 12 saves in the game.
“I just think we stayed poised during the last quarter and played our game,” Arner said. “We depended on our players to make plays and they did.”
Annunziata (23 goals; 8 assists) led all scorers with four goals. Colin Lennon (17g; 9a) had a goal and an assist. Peter Breingan (10g) and McDonald (5g) also scored goals. Michael Kline (13g; 24a) had two assists. Tyler Johnson (3g; 5a) also picked up an assist.
“This win means a lot,” Annunziata said. “We needed to beat a top ranked team to show the county we are right up there with the best of them and for our team to build up our confidence. It was a great team effort on both sides of the field; I couldn’t be more proud of my guys.”
Aidan Carrello played a great game, contributing both offensively and defensively. “We have to keep playing to our strengths, be smart and play the game at our pace,” the senior said.
The victory let Huntington climb into fifth place in the 20 team Suffolk Division I.
