Boys Lacrosse: Panthers Remain Undefeated Against 2010 Class C Section One Champion

Class C Section One champion's Putnam Valley boys lacrosse (2-5) might have been the victor May 27, 2010 (9-5) in a weather-shortened contest, but the senior-ladened Pleasantville Panthers (7-0) were the 10-6 winners Thursday. 

“That was a big win,” Pleasantville Head Coach Bruce Reitenbach said. “Probably the biggest win I’ve ever had as a coach,” commending the incredible poise his players displayed throughout the afternoon.

Putnam Valley is using the current season as an opportunity to overcome injuries —most recently Kevin Christopher who is expected to be out a few days with a hamstring injury —and improve for the future.

Head Coach Brian Kuczma is optimistic about what is to come from his youthful squad.

“Some things are a blessing in disguise,” Kuczma said. “I think down the line these things are going to happen in the future."

Momentum looked to be in favor of the Tigers 2-0 until senior attackman Eric Akalski’s put the Panthers on the board for the first time on the afternoon 2-1.

Panther senior mid-fielder Eddie Reilingh then knotted it at 2-2 on a Skylar Leen assist with under three minutes to play in the first before connecting for their first lead of the afternoon 3-2.

The Panthers looked to be in control 7-3 on goals from junior attackman Mike Taurone via fellow attackman Kyle O’Laughlin, before scoring one of his own.

Senior mid-fielder Steston Bates then fruited another goal from Leen to finish the run.

The cushion quickly shrunk to 7-5 on scores from Hugh McCann and Mike Adamski heading into the half.

Tiger Rob Pasquale slimmed the visitors margin even further 7-6 before O’Laughlin helped the Panthers initiate another scoring spurt en route to the eventual 10-6 final after a six minute defensive battle.

Taurone and Leen (from Bates) finished off the drive heading into Tuesday’s 4:30 p.m. home contest with Croton-Harmon.

Hard work at practice has been then key to the Panthers success thus far this season in what Akalski and Leen described as a “give it everything,” attitude during all aspects of the game including going after ground balls and defending opponents in practice and game situations.

Reitenbach also credits the experience of his 12 seniors in Reilingh, Bates, Akalski, Barstow, Fraylick, Leen, Alex Lange Mike Lynch, Chris Madera, Kevin Connell, Chris Difabio and Sean McKigney who can be depended upon to perform at their best.

The 12 do not need to be taught what to do since they already know what is expected.

“They have that confidence,” Reitenbach added.

 Panther goalie and Fairfield University bound tallied 16 saves. Kyle Christopher had 28 for the Tigers.