Scoring Machine Brandon Bonistall Leads Husky LAX

The varsity lacrosse season got off to a rough start for the Harrison Huskies this year. The team lost their first game to Clarkstown South 11 - 9 and, more importantly, the team lost three of their regular players to injuries.

One of the team's captains Duke Alvora is lost for the season with a torn ACL. Michael Gailmore suffered a hand injury in a scrimmage and James Tirella suffered an ankle injury in practice. Both Gailmore and Tirella missed the game against Westlake but are back on the field now.  The team had to use several less experienced players early in the season and had to rely heavily on more experienced players like Brandon Bonistall.

Bonistall was a clear team leader during the team's 13 - 7 win against Westlake. His play was nothing less than dominant, Bonistall played nearly the entire game and was the team's leading scorer with five goals and an assist.

"He's a great player and he understands the sport," said Harrison Coach Bruce Kinisky. "He and Alex Acompora worked great together and we expect both of them to be two of the higher scoring guys on the team."

Bonistall scored the first goal of the game in just 61 seconds when a teammate found him in front of the goal and Bonistall fired in a shot for the quick lead. Westlake was able to score and tie the game, but then Bonistall took the game into his own hands, scoring just 12 seconds later.

The second goal of the game scored by Bonistall was a momentum changer, as it led to a short Harrison scoring spree. At the end of the first quarter Bonistall and Harrison were winning 4 - 1.

Westlake was able to keep the game competitive throughout the second quarter and majority of the third. However, with three minutes left in the third quarter tempers flared on both sides when Harrison received a penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct. After the penalty was served Bonistall again took over the game, adding two more goals and an assist to his already stellar numbers.

Early in the fourth quarter Bonistall added his fifth and final goal of the game as the Huskies pulled away. At that point both coaches emptied their benches and Harrison got their first win of the season.

Bonistall had control of the ball more then any member of either team and it soon became obvious that good things would happen when he initiated play behind the goal. His defense also made it very difficult for Westlake to clear the ball.

But what really stood out from the game against Westlake was Bonistall's leadership. He was vocal on the field and on the sideline as the team cruised to victory.

Best of luck and continued success Brandon Bonistall, Harrison Patch's athlete of the week for April 4 - 10.