Tigers get Magnuson back for final

CORTLAND, N.Y. -- Northport's battle cry for the past week has been "Free Mags,'' but the Tigers will be getting Erin Magnuson back for Saturday's state final against Pittsford.

Magnuson has finished serving a mandatory two-game suspension for receiving a red card during the Suffolk final against Bay Shore on June 2.

The Tigers have shown their support for the senior midfielder the past week by wearing Magnuson's No. 17 on their faces in eye black, on ribbons in their hair and on their arm and wrist bands with "Free Mags,'' written on them.

Per Section XI (Suffolk) rules, Magnuson was required to stay at home when the Tigers played in the Long Island championship last Saturday. But since Friday's semifinal was played under NYSPHAA rules, she was allowed to watch the game from the sideline.

"It's been rough. It's been really overemotional," the Yale-bound Magnuson said. "Today it was so good to watch them play and get it done . . . Being here was so much better than having to stay in the hotel room."

"She's been the motivation behind us," fellow midfielder Megan Marinelli said. "I think she's going to come on and make a huge difference."

Patrone: Quick dividend

SEE PHOTOSClass A state semi: Northport 18, Lakeland/Panas 5

Freshman Vincenza Patrone, a JV call-up, scored her first varsity point in the win over Cortlandt Manor Panas.

"As soon as [coach Carol Rose] called my name, I got so excited and I was ready to play," said Patrone, who assisted on one of Cortney Fortunato's nine goals. "It's very exciting. It's a lot of energy coming through."

Winning birthday

The Tigers gave their coach a nice birthday present with the win. "We're excited to stay and not go back on that bus crying," Rose said.