Watchung Hills Dominates Home Opener, Win 14-2

In their first home game of the season, the Watchung Hills Warriors defeated the Holmdel Hornets, 14-2.

Ryan Cunningham scored a career-high six goals and two assists in the Warriors second game of the season.

Commenting on the team’s offense, Cunningham said, “I felt good, it was a great feeling to score a new high for myself. I felt the offense played well, but we’re nowhere near our ceiling.”

Alec Orazietti put together another two goal-two assist performance, as the junior currently leads the team with four assists in 2014.

Discussing the team’s selflessness, which led to the team’s nine assists, Orazietti said, “I thought the team cut well [on offense] which made it easy to distribute the ball.”

The Warriors not only dominated on offense, but their defense also played well. Only allowing two goals the whole game, the defense rarely gave the other team good shots.

Captains Danny Phillips and Matt Rozmerski, both defenders, were happy with the team’s performance on defense.

“Adjustments were made and the scoreboard reflected that,” said Phillips.

Starting goalie, Nick Malinousky played half the game, shutting out the Hornets in those 24 minutes. Junior Jack Ayre entered the game in the second half, giving up just two goals.

“The defense had a really solid performance,” said Malinousky on the win. “Holmdel barely had any shots on goal, which made my job easier.”

Midfielder Zack Melillo bounced back with a great performance in the team’s second game of the season. He won 82% of the face-offs, which led to the Warriors having more possessions and opportunities to score.

Melillo accredited his game to his coaches, saying, “The coaches and I identified the reason I was having trouble at the ‘X’ last game. We focused on how to correct the problem and applied it today.”

The Warriors were fired up throughout the game, something that was not seen in the team’s opening game against Hillsborough.

Rozmerski noticed a significant difference in the team, saying, “We stepped up, intensity was awesome. Everyone contributed and the defense didn’t give up many goals.” 

Sean Mullaney scored back-to-back goals for the Warriors while John Tekin scored his third goal of the season.

Tyler Furlong added a goal and an assist, while Frank Butrico and Darren Calleo amassed their first assists of the young season.

Carl Valentino and Robert Torrisi scored their first goals of the season, as Torrisi scored his first goal of his varsity career.

Commenting on his goal, Torrisi said, "It was a big accomplishment the hard work payed off in the offseason. Our team played well together and we showed who the better team was."

Watchung Hills will play their third game of the season against Hunterdon Central, as the team will look to win their second straight. 

Game 2: (G) Mullaney 2,3, Tekin 3, Cunningham 2,3,4,5,6,7, Orazietti 3,4, Torrisi 1, Valentino 1, Furlong 1

               (A) Furlong 2,3, Orazietti 3,4, Cunningham 1,2, Butrico 1, Calleo 1, Mullaney 1