Galasso gets back up, leads West Islip's big win

It was early in the second period, with West Islip already ahead of Ward Melville by six goals, when Lions All-American Nicky Galasso took a hard hit and lay sprawled on the turf. It looked like a helmet-to-helmet shot and, indeed, West Islip trainers and coaches fired questions at Galasso after he limped off the field.

"I got crushed in the head. A very late hit," Galasso said. "They asked me where I was. What day was it? Things like that. I was fine. Just a mild headache. I answered all the questions."

West Islip's entire team had all the right answers Wednesday, giving Ward Melville a major headache with a thorough 16-5 victory before nearly 1,500 fans at the Lions' new turf field. Hundreds of the fans were young boys wearing lacrosse jerseys in West Islip blue with gold trim and numerals. They witnessed a veritable clinic.

Ward Melville was missing six players, including several starters, who were still sitting out a suspension for their role in an off-campus drinking incident last month.

Galasso had three goals and three assists, even though he missed nearly 15 minutes to shake off the effects of his injury and because the Lions led 11-2 at halftime. Andrew Hodgson had four goals and two assists and Matt Gebhardt had three goals as West Islip improved to 12-1 overall, 10-1 in Division I with its 12th straight victory. Ward Melville fell to 10-2, 8-2.

"We came out of the gates hard," said Galasso, who scored all of his goals in that impressive 7-1 first quarter. "They were locking me up so other guys made plays."

The Patriots tried to deny Galasso the ball because he's such an effective passer. So Gebhardt, Conor Braddish, Hodgson and Drew Federico scored. When others were covered, Galasso scored unassisted, including a brilliant bull dodge from behind the net that drew a roar from the crowd.

SEE PHOTOSWest Islip 16, Ward Melville 5

So did his fast-break, behind-the-head, no-look pass to Federico for a third-quarter goal that made it 14-4. A new wrinkle to the potent West Islip attack has been to use Galasso on the second midfield, with first midfielder Hodgson moving to attack.

"That gives us quality kids on both midfields who can make things happen," coach Scott Craig said. "That's tough on our opponents because neither of them leaves the field. We're a hard team to match up with."

Said Hodgson, "We played great in the first quarter. It's always great when you get everyone involved. I love playing attack. Nicky is more of a power guy. I'm more about quickness and stop-and-go moves."

It was all go and no stop for the Lions Wednesday.