Hofstra hopes to make most of reprieve

Hofstra lacrosse is back in business with its postseason goal still alive.

First, the Pride had to make the NCAA Tournament.

"It was nerve-racking,'' goalie Andrew Gvozden said.

"Longest four days of my life,'' attack Jay Card added.

Hofstra could not be certain of an at-large bid, but the committee recognized the Pride's outstanding regular season and threw out an upset loss to Delaware in a semifinal of the Colonial Athletic Association Tournament.

Hofstra (13-2) plays at No. 3 Johns Hopkins (12-2) Saturday with the super incentive of earning a ticket home to the quarterfinals at Shuart Stadium the following weekend before what could be a huge home crowd.

Hopkins is a big obstacle, but Gvozden said, "At some point if you want to go far, you have to play good teams. So we're just lucky to get into the tournament and we knew that if we were lucky enough to get a bid, we'll play anybody. We were pretty devastated and worried. We stayed confident; we had a good season minus those two hiccups,'' referring to two losses to Delaware.

Gvozden started his career against Hopkins, where the opposing goalie was his older brother, Michael.

"I think I know a thing or two about them,'' he said. "I'm excited. They are one of the team teams I was hoping we would pull.''

Card said Hofstra will make the most of its opportunity. Though Hopkins has an 18-5 edge in the all-time series, the teams split the last six games.

"I see the potential that this team has,'' Card said of Hofstra. "I'm very confident and grateful that we got another shot at this. We'll see what happens on Saturday.''

All in the (Compitello) family

The parents of Thomas and Ryan Compitello knew one of their sons would emerge victorious when Stony Brook hosted Hartford for the America East title. But no one expected the finish. Imagine what it was like for the players' parents, Thomas and Kathleen of Hauppauge.

Ryan, a junior for Hartford, scored with one second left to give the Hawks an upset victory over Stony Brook and his brother, Tom, whose career ended with that goal.

"It was exhilarating,'' Mrs. Compitello said. "When my husband said it was the last second I said, 'Are you kidding me?' I didn't realize that.''

She hugged some of the parents of the Hartford players she has come to know, then turned her attention to Tom.

"My son was down on his knees saying, 'We lost, where did that game go,''' Mrs. Compitello said. "Then he realized 'We lost, but my brother won.' He came running out wanting to be with his brother.''

The Compitellos had played it down the middle for their sons.

"I asked someone for a red magic marker to write 'Go Seawolves' on one side of a poster to go along with 'Go Hawks' on the other side,'' she said.

Her husband rooted for every goal scored by both teams.

Said Mr. Compitello: "Some woman said, 'I'm kind of confused. Every time one of the teams score you cheer.' I said 'I have sons on both.' ''

And both will have played in the NCAA Tournament. Tom played last year, Ryan's chance comes when Hartford meets Cornell on Saturday.

As time goes on, Mrs. Compitello said the entire family will look at the day as win-win.

"Just showing up I felt like I had won,'' she said. "My children both played a Division I sport and were huge contributors. We have what we call the man cave in the house. My boys will have equal recognition. Ryan did say 'I'll have my own ring to show my brother.'''

Player of the Week

Dowling sophomore attack Nicole Moran

Moran scored seven goals as Dowling upset C.W. Post, 15-14, to earn its first NCAA berth. Moran has 51 goals and eight assists for the Golden Lions (15-2), who will host Le Moyne (17-2). A transfer from Stony Brook, Moran was a two-time All-County performer at Lindenhurst High School.

NCAA Tournament pairings, picks

Saturday

Hofstra at Johns Hopkins: Hofstra's defense leads the nation, allowing only 6.20 goals per game. Hopkins' ninth- ranked offense averages 11.36 goals. Hofstra needs a yeoman effort on both sides to return the team to Hempstead for the quarterfinal.

Delaware at Duke: Delaware derailed Hofstra's hopes for a CAA title. Playing the defending national champion at home does not seem like much of a reward.

Hartford at Cornell: Hartford upended Stony Brook for the America East title, but must face red-hot Cornell with Smithtown West's Rob Pannell, who has 37 goals and 45 assists. Pannell is a prime candidate for the Tewaaraton Award.

Sunday

Siena at Syracuse: No. 1 Orange coasts in the opening round.

Maryland at North Carolina: Tar Heels' freshman Nicky Galasso (24, 32) of West Islip plays in his first NCAA Tournament game. It will not be his last.

Villanova at Denver: Denver has only one (former) Long Islander -- coach Bill Tierney -- and he makes all the difference for this dark-horse team that could be in Hempstead next weekend.

Bucknell at Virginia: Shamel Bratton was removed from the team for violating team rules, the university said two weeks ago, and no decision has been announced on his twin, Rhamel, who was suspended. Virginia should still pull this one out.

Penn at Notre Dame: The Fighting Irish, helped by East Hampton's Zach Brenneman and Holy Trinity's Sean Rogers, should make it to the quarterfinals at Gillette Stadium.