Defense Leads Lions In Win Over Smithtown East

Despite scoring 31 goals in its first two games, the West Islip boys lacrosse team may be starting to build a reputation as a team with a stifling defense.

Led by senior defender Anthony Santo, the Lions defeated Smithtown East 15-3 Thursday at West Islip High School. The win moves West Islip to 2-0 while the Bulls fall to 1-2 in the early season.

“This is a better team than we played (Tuesday),” said Scott Craig, West Islip head coach referring to his team's over Middle Country earlier in the week. “We knew we would have to step up our play on defense, play smart and communicate well. We’re pleased so far with the results.”

Following Tuesday’s game against Middle County when the Lions raced out to a 7-0 first quarter lead, the Bulls defense was aggressive during the first 12 minutes keeping West Islip’s offensive in check. Goals by the attack duo of Brendan Smith and Tom Moore gave the Lions a slim 2-0 lead at the end of the quarter.

West Islip grabbed momentum in the second quarter when goals by Jack McKenna, Nick Aponte, Smith and Moore extended the team’s lead to 6-0.

While it appeared that West Islip was taking control of the game, Smithtown East freshman attackman Brian Willetts gave his team life with back-to-back goals in the final minute of the first half making the score 6-2, which served to excite the Bulls bench.

During the half Craig gave his squad a tongue lashing, preaching the importance of maintaining a "high lacrosse IQ" while reminding his players “when the ball is in your stick, the other players are relying on you.”

The pep talk had its desired impact as West Islip scored the first five goals of the third quarter to take a commanding 11-2 lead. Smithtown East’s Dakota Walsh put an end to the run with a goal at the 1:52 mark.

As the offensive continued to widen the lead with four goals in the final quarter, West Islip’s defense kept up its pressure keeping Smithtown East off the scoreboard for the game's final 14 minutes.

Both teams wander outside league play for their next games Saturday. West Islip renews its annual rivalry with Catholic-league power Chaminade while Smithtown East takes on Port Washington.