Boy T-Hawks Head to State Finals

He calls 'em the "Cardiac Kids," and they pulled out another overtime win on Tuesday, ending with 9-8 against west champions Longmeadow. But Coach Luongo said "this was no easy task."

With a 6-1 lead midway through the second quarter, Longmeadow scored two late goals to end the half at 6-3.

In a "crazy third quarter" that "had us in a bit of a tizzy," Longmeadow shot four unanswered goals, making it 7-6.

"Longmeadow is a perennial tournament team," said Luongo, "and we knew they would make a run at us that they did. They boys never wavered they have an composure I have never seen from any high school team."

Mike Wood (freshmen attack) scored at 2:41 of the fourth quarter to tie the game. Zack Tarallo scored at 1:41 to put the T-Hawks ahead 8-7.

"Longmeadow did not falter," said Luongo. "They stole the ball and scored with 21 seconds to go in the quarter to tie it at 8-8."

"Enter the Cardiac Kids!" said Luongo. "They were not nervous they have been here two others times in tournament. Faceoff is our advantage on a push violation. We called a timeout and the boys were comfortable that this was our game. Our leaders showed the team that this is our game. Nick Mazzola and Billy Hegarty, our captains, along with senior Zack Tarallo, led the way to set the example for the team."

In overtime, David McGovern scored with 3:28 to go to win the game "on a laser to the top corner." McGovern had two goals, Tarallo had three, and Conor Healey had a goal and two assists. Kyle Stewart had eight saves, "and has played great," said Luongo.

"The defense played great under the leadership of Nick Mazzola," said Luongo. "Mike Fucci returned from his mid-season and played great defense in the midfield.
I am so proud of these boys. They do everything we ask of them."