Hackley LAX Off to a Grand Post-Season Start

Hackley's boys lacrosse squad put its fans on a roller-coaster ride in the opening round of the New York State Association of Independent Schools playoff game against visiting Dalton (7-10).

The Hornets (16-3) started off hot, then they got cold but stayed ahead of the visitors and wound up pulling away for a 15-8 triumph.   

"Offensively, we got out to a quick start and we stopped moving the ball," Hackley Head Coach Chris Arnold said. "They were sliding early and our guys starting feeling like it was time to play individually offensively. Then we got back to more of a team game where we assisted goals, moved the ball, we were in much better shape."  

Hackley's win earned them a semifinal date against Fieldston at home 3:30 p.m. Monday, May 24.   

"We have to continue to do everything well, moving the ball and not be selfish," Hackley freshman attackman Sam Dardani said. "Our D has been playing great and as long as our offense can keep it up we should be fine."   

Dardani was more than fine, as he scored a game high five goals in addition to recording one assist.     

"When Sam is at his best is when he's patient, he makes good decisions," Arnold said. "He was forcing things a bit early on. As the game went on he started working harder off the ball and because of that got some great open looks and nice goals."   

For someone to score five goals in a playoff game as a freshman maybe stunning to some, but not to Arnold.   

"Sam has just worked extremely hard," Arnold said. "He's a lacrosse nut, he plays as much lacrosse as he can. He's a good athlete and he has a lot of self-confidence, which he certainly should have."   

Hackley was more than confident at the beginning of the game, when it jumped out to a 5-0 first-quarter lead. Chris Starr (two goals, one assist), started the scoring, with an assist coming from Austin Pidoriano (two goals, four assists).   

Continuing the scoring was Jibran Ahmad (three goals) who got an assist from Teddy Seem (two goals, one assist). Pidoriano and Seem then scored unassisted goals before Starr and Pidoriano hooked up again, with Starr scoring.

"We came out fired up, we know we have the talent to go all the way," Dardani said. "We want to make that happen."   

Hackley continued its success in the second period when long-pole Michael Curland scored when he bounced in a shot. Dalton answered with two goals before Seem scored to put Hackley up 7-2 at the half.   

Dalton then roared back with four goals to start the second half, pulling the visitors to within 7-6. However Dardani started his roll, getting the first of his five goals, with the assist coming from A.J. Alexacos.   

"The kid was behind me, I just caught it, shot it and it went in," Dardani said.   

Including Dardani's goal, Hackley outscored the visitors 8-2 to seal its victory and set up its semifinal date against Fieldston. To make sure it has the optimum chance of winning, Arnold stressed to his players after the game to make sure they got a needed rest. 

"Rest is enormously important," Arnold said. "Both teams have the same challenge, they are going to be coming off a tough game too. I have no doubt all these kids are going to do what they exactly need to do. They are going to have a good meal now, rest, drink a lot of water, get to bed early tonight, get their homework done this afternoon and we will be as prepared as we can be tomorrow."