Sports

Hicksville Rally Spoils Syosset's Conference Opener

Comets tie game with scoring barrage in fourth, then win in double overtime.

Syosset tried anything to get just one more goal in its boys lacrosse conference opener at Hicksville Saturday night. Parents screamed. A scorekeeper showed her superstition by rattling a container of M&M's. As the second overtime forged on and supplies ran low, coach John Calabria frantically combined water bottle contents to get his charges a full drink.

But in a game that at times resembled a remake of the "Rumble" scene from The Outsiders, the Braves took the ultimate blow: watching a raucous Comets squad toss their equipment like confetti to celebrate a 10-9 comeback win.

This one may hurt for awhile, as Syosset built a 9-4 lead in the opening minutes of the third quarter, only to never score again, right up until Hicksville's Terrence Pfiefer finally ended sudden death with 1:56 left in the second extra session.

Find out what's happening in Syossetwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Calabria's assessment of what happened was succinct.

"When we went ahead in the middle of the third and thought it was enough against [a team this good], we learned that it wasn't enough," Calabria said.

Find out what's happening in Syossetwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Syosset led 5-4 at halftime after a first half marred by nine penalties, prompting the officials to huddle with the head coaches to try to get some control back in the game.

Syosset's discipline was rewarded when John Sullivan scored to put the Braves up 7-4 and was clobbered by a Hicksville defender as he took the shot. Syosset got the score and the man advantage, and Zachary Gropper made Hicksville pay with a goal soon after. Ryan Hunter then scored to put Syosset up 9-4, but the Braves wouldn't score again.

After initially showcasing some good defense in the fourth, Syosset gave up four Hicksville goals in a span of 2:59, the final by Sal Geneva with 2:45 left in regulation to tie the game.

 


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here