Massapequa Boys Lacrosse Returns to Title Game

Port Washington could not be stopped. Massapequa knew as much. The Chiefs harassed the All-American midfield from end to end to limit the damage he could inflict. 

Yet Froccaro still dominated the faceoff circle. The Princeton-bound lacrosse star won 12 faceoffs and Port Washington controlled the ball and tempo early.

And while Froccaro could not be stopped, he couldn’t offset the diverse and relentless attack unleashed by the Chiefs. Top-seeded exploded for six fourth-quarter goals to pull away from No. 5 , 13-5, in a Nassau Class A semifinal Tuesday at Hofstra.

“We weren’t stopping,” said sophomore attack Ian Kirby, who poured in a career-high seven goals to power Massapequa.

“Ian knows how to finish,” Chiefs Coach Tim Radomski said. “He’s only a sophomore so he’s got big things ahead of him.”

The Chiefs (15-2) return to the county final for the third straight season. Farmingdale won the last two Nassau titles at the expense of Massapequa, including a en route to winning the state title. 

Related: .

But the Dalers are no longer in the picture. The title is Massapequa’s to lose.

The Chiefs face the winner of Wednesday’s Baldwin-Syosset semifinal next Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. at Hofstra.

Let Patch save you time. Get local stories like this delivered right to your inbox or smartphone everyday with our free newsletter. Simple, fast sign-up here.

Credit a cast of seniors who have been driven to claim that elusive title. Senior defense Joe Catalonotti shadowed Froccaro and senior goalie Joe Danaher stopped 13 shots. 

Froccaro scored twice, the last coming with 10 seconds left to send Port Washington (9-8) into halftime down 6-3.  

“He’s a helluva player and he still got his goals,” Radomski said of Froccaro. “It’s tough to stop one guy when he’s got a cannon.”

Port’s John Crawley struck early in the third to close the gap to 6-4. But then the Chiefs poured it on. Massapequa – thanks to a surge by Kirby – scored seven of the next eight goals to pull away. 

Junior midfield Paul Bentz added three goals for the Chiefs.

Boys Lacrosse: Nassau Class A Semifinal

Teams.....................1.....2.....3.....4 – F

Port Washington.....1.....2.....1.....1 – 5

Massapequa............2.....4.....1.....6 – 13

Goals – PW: Jake Froccaro 2, Rizzo, Crawley, Caruso; M: I. Kirby 7, Bentz 3, Berge, Savona, R. Kirby. Saves – PW: Ferrero 11; M: Danaher 13.  

Note: Check back for game photos on Wednesday.