HOME SWEET HOME! Mustangs Get Back on Track

     The NHS Men's LAX team had not played a home game since last spring, so it was great to return to the friendly confines of Holzer Field tonight.  The home field proved to be good for the Mustangs as they handled the Howell Highlanders an 11-9 defeat in front of a hardy sell-out crowd.  "After 4 rough games on the road, it felt time to get back home," said senior captain defender Greg Stewart, "its fun to play in front of a home crowd, and we played with a lot of spirit."
     The Stangs jumped out to a fast start, scoring the first three goals in the early minutes of the game to take control.  Junior Alec Melucci was instrumental in all three, scoring two of his own.  Howell was up for a challenge though, and started to put on pressure of their own.  At the first quarter buzzer, the score stood 6-3 Mustangs.  The second period featured great defensive effort at both ends as the squads buckled down.  Sophomore Connor Sweeney notched Northville's lone goal of the period and the score read 7-4 at the half.
     As has become customary procedure at home games, announcer John Melucci entertained the raucous crowd during the half with interesting Lacrosse facts and a trivia challenge.  Unfortunately, no one won the challenge, so the pot will be doubled for the next game.
     The third period found both teams ready to resume the battle.  Northville got an emotional boost with the return of senior John Cooke, but Howell was able to break loose and tighten the score.  End of three, 9-7 NHS.  The pressure was mounting as the fourth quarter opened.  Then junior Alec Melucci found the back of the net with a whirling, twirling, off-hand screamer to put the Mustangs up three with 6 minutes to play.  After that, the teams traded goals and Northville coasted home with the well earned victory.
     Notably, Northville's 11 goals were scored by 7 different players.  Melucci led the pack with 4 goals.  Brothers Jake and Alex Fuller each got on the board.  Twins Brennan and Connor Sweeney both notched their stick, and seniors Peter Chew, Nate Ray, and Jimmy Steslicki all got a score.  Balanced scoring was the rule this evening.....and it paid a victory bonus!
     The mighty Mustangs will be back in action on the home turf tomorrow (Tuesday) evening at 7:00 as the powerful Okemos Chiefs come to town.  Junior Varsity game starts at 5:30.  Get to the field early to reserve your seat for what promises to be a thrilling night of great lacrosse action.