State Champions — Again!

The seniors who were playing their last lacrosse game as members of the West Islip Lions made it one to remember. West Islip repeated as State Class A champions with an impressive 13-5 win over the Fairport Red Raiders.

The Lions showed the heart of a champion in the second half, completely shutting down Fairport. For West Islip, it was the school's second straight state Class A title and fourth in the last five years.

"It's just an outrageous group of kids. We had two kids that have been our mainstays for four years and wanted them so much to go out on that high note," said head coach Scott Craig alluding to seniors Nicky Galasso and Andrew Hodgson.

"Everybody's going to look back and say that in Nicky's and Andrew's senior year, they won the state title. Nobody can take that away from us," said Hodgson. 

It would be hard to imagine the game going any better for West Islip. Galasso collected a goal and six assists to set the Long Island's all-time scoring record. He is now heading to North Carolina as a four-time state champion.  

"Beating the scoring record for Long Island and winning a state championship with a great team — it's one of the best feelings ever," said Galasso. "We all chipped in and it was just a special day for us today."

The Lions got off to a fast start in the game with senior Rob Moore, who scored five goals in the semifinal game against Lakeland/Panas, scoring two goals in the first quarter. Junior Drew Federico added a goal and junior Mike Sagle scored the first of his four goals as the Lions opened up a 4-1 lead.

"I knew last game I had a little trouble shooting so I had to step up my shooting this game," Sagl said. "Last year, it was great; we won the state championship. But my role this year has really increased."

But the Red Raiders of Fairport refused to go away in the second quarter. With under a minute left in the first half, Brendan Saylor tied the game at five. Faiport went into the half feeling pretty good about themselves, having stayed goal-for-goal with the Lions and having held Galasso to only one assist.

But in the third quarter, West Islip showed why they are champions by burying Fairport with seven goals while not allowing a single tally. Galasso had a a behind-the-back goal a four assists in the quarter and Sagl tallied two goals. 

"The more impressive thing I thought was how our defense came together and took it to another level. They just started supporting each other so much and increased their physicality, which was really a major factor in stopping the other team from going to the cage," said Craig. 

The two teams played the fourth quarter with the result a forgone conclusion. As time began to become scarce, it was apparent that the high school careers of some of West Islip's finest lacrosse players were coming to an end. But, there was not a hint of sadness on the sideline as the team celebrated another state title. 

"We've been together for a long time. I played with most of these guys in second and third grade, just growing up together and playing lacrosse. It's really special to get here and win it in my senior year," said Moore.