Mepham Boys Lax Brings A-Game, But Drops to MacArthur

The Mepham Pirates were coming off a huge win against Glen Cove only five days ago, in which Anthony Ippolito, Kevin Zollo and Vin Moryc combined for nine goals and 10 assists. And yesterday 10th ranked Mepham was fired up to have the opportunity to upset six seed MacArthur only to fall short, losing 5-4.

The first quarter had a great display of defense from both sides. The Pirates defense, led by Brian Monks and Chris Shevins, were able to shut down Tim Daly and his powerhouse offense for the first 18 minutes of the game. While on the other side of the field, Kevin Zollo found the back of the net with a strong wrap around goal.

Mepham went into the second quarter with a 1-0 lead and the momentum from last quarter's strong play. The second half was still a defensive battle for both teams, with great back-checking from Anthony Ippolito and goaltending from Brandon Lazarus. James McAndrews used incredible finess was able to break through the defesive strong hold to sneak in an amazing goal with 4:45 left in the half.

The third quarter saw the score board light up five times. Three goals by MacArthur and two by Vin Moryc and the Mepham Pirates. The first goal scored by MacArthur came with 9:50 left in the quarter. Mepham must have seen something in the defense, because Vin Moryc scored just nine seconds later off the face off.

Mepham sustained consistent pressure on MacArthur's goalie Joe Orth who had 22 saves on the day over the next couple minutes. Mepham was caught off guard and relinquished the second goal off a quick play from the defensive zone. Mepahm tied the game up through hard work around the net and the quick hands by Vin Moryc. 

With a 1:20 left in the quarter, MacArthur pulled ahead one more time.

The first six minutes of the fourth quarter were so close, each play the potential game winner, goal or save. Mepham senior Anthony Ippolito scored a huge goal which seemed to lift his team's spirits. Mepham fought hard for the next four minutes, taking shot after shot and making great defensive stops. Efforts fell a little short with two minutes left in the game when MacArthur's Justin Bentivegna scored.  

Mepham played strong lacrosse for 48 minutes and never seemed to give up. Brandon Lazarus made 12 saves in the game.

"We played strong, we were hungry to pick the ball up," Mepham Coach James Koester said. "We made mistakes, but our defense was outstanding." 

Mepham next plays at New Hyde Park Saturday April 17 at 10 a.m.