Geneva's 7 goals lead Hicksville boys lacrosse

The first goal was gift-wrapped - a rebound off the goalie's chest that bounced right to Sal Geneva on the doorstep two minutes into the game. The next six showed off Geneva's individual gifts as his seven-goal highlight package tied a neat ribbon around Hicksville's impressive 14-9 victory over host Baldwin Tuesday.

"That's a good day!" the junior said with a chuckle after Hicksville improved to 7-2 in Nassau Conference I boys lacrosse, one game better in the standings than Baldwin (6-3). "I've never had that many goals in a game. I've been hot, but not that hot."

The Comets were blazing from the start. They scored three goals in the first three minutes, led 6-1 after the first quarter and 9-1 with four minutes left in the first half. Their fast break was a thing of beauty, with Brandon Gamblin and Tim Parker playing a two-man game that left the Bruins bewildered and trailing 10-3 at the half.

"We knew them from last year's playoffs . We were up for the game from the moment that last bell rung at school," said Gamblin, who scored three of his four goals in the opening period, all on feeds from Parker, who totaled five assists. "We've been coming out flat lately, but today we came out fast. This was Hicksville lacrosse."

Gamblin's first goal came on a feed from behind the net by Parker. The next two finished off fast breaks. Gamblin was ramblin', contributing a nifty assist on the run to Joe Leonard, who ripped one from the left wing. "What was it, 9-1? That's our biggest margin of the year," Gamblin said.

It was enough to allow the Comets to slow things down for much of the second half and play a more controlled style, taking enough time off the clock that Baldwin's four-goal fourth quarter was mere window dressing. The outcome was never in doubt.

"On the fast break, the ball was really moving," Geneva said. "We were being unselfish."

SEE PHOTOSHicksville 14, Baldwin 9

He was the recipient of most of that generosity. Geneva scored the first two goals of the second quarter, then was the Comets' true cosmic force in the second half with all four of his team's goals. He twice scored without an assist on artful dodges. Leonard and Parker fed Geneva for his last two goals.

"Timmy and Joe have got nice vision," Gamblin said. "We get a guy in the crease and they find him. Getting that big lead took the pressure off. We didn't have to play a hurry-up offense in the second half."

By then, Geneva had already opened his gifts.