Syosset Braves 'D' Up in Win Over Baldwin

After a crushing 14-8 defeat to the second seeded Massapequa Chiefs last Thursday, many wondered if the Syosset Braves Lacrosse team would be able to regain its swagger.

Syosset entered Wednesdays matchup versus conference opponent Baldwin with a conference record of 3-1 (6-4) and needed to step up on the defensive side of the ball in order to get back to the team’s winning ways. 

Ryan Hunter set the tone early. Hunter scored the game’s first two goals including one goal in which he did a full spin move around a defender and ripped a shot past Baldwin’s Brett Dadiego. 

Goal tender Ryan Feit was spectacular in the net. Helped by John Diaz (one goal) and Nick Hatzipetrakos (two goals) in the first half, Syosset was able to head into the locker room with a 5-1 lead. 

In a postgame interview, Hunter commented on how he was proud his team was able to rebound after the loss to Massapequa.

“After what happened to us last week we just really wanted to come out strong," Hunter said. “I thought we brought the energy and that is always what you are looking for after a loss like we had.” 

As the second half began, Baldwin started their attempt at a comeback. After a goal by Baldwin’s Dylan Cohen, Baldwin only trailed 6-4. It was from that point on that the defense, which has been a question mark all season from S came through. The defense only allowed one more goal the rest of the way securing a much needed win for Syosset. 

When the final horn sounded the Syosset Braves had defeated the Baldwin Bruins 8-5.

Senior defensemen Justin Barth said after the game he thought his defense played well. However, the credit should be given to his goal tender.

“I think the defense played awesome," Barth said. “But, I have to give it to Ryan Feit. Without the play of Ryan this game could have looked a lot different.” 

Feit, who finished the game with 14 saves, talked about the strong play of the Braves offense.

“Those guys upfront were outstanding today,” Feit said after the game. “Ryan Hunter put on a show today for us and after you play a game after a loss you need your leaders to step up and I thought Ryan [Hunter] and I were able to do that.” 

With the win, Syosset improves to 4-1 in the conference and moves into second place trailing only undefeated Massapequa (5-0).

Up next for Syosset is a conference matchup versus last place, Plainview, Friday afternoon in Syosset.