Floyd boys lacrosse's Marc Pluchino tallies four goals, assist in win over Riverhead
Marc Pluchino of Floyd scores in the first quarter of a Suffolk Division I matchup against host Riverhead on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. Credit: Michael A. Rupolo Sr.
The tiebreaking goal entered the cage as time ran out in the Class A opening-round clash at Ward Melville, ending Floyd’s boys lacrosse season in the worst way last May.
Marc Pluchino remembers that sour feeling all too well.
“I just felt let down,” the Floyd senior midfielder said, flashing back Tuesday at Riverhead’s Pulaski Sports Complex. “I wished we were able to pull through and get the win.
“It’s a big motivator because I think we’re a more talented team this year and we can make a deep run in the playoffs.”
The motivated Colonials own three victories in four tries after a 15-8 Suffolk I win over Riverhead built behind Pluchino’s four goals and one assist, Ryan Murtha’s three goals and two assists and Matt Filosa’s two goals and three assists.
“We would like to get a banner, which means we finish in the top seven, and we would like to, at the very least, get that home playoff game, get a playoff win and see what happens in the second round,” coach Dez Megna said.
“… We’re always better in May than we are in March.”
Riverhead coach Vic Guadagnino would also love to be in that playoff picture, especially since this is his final season. Assistants Chris Nentwich and Rob Murphy will be leaving, too.
“I’m retiring from teaching after 33 years [at Riverhead High School] and 33 years of coaching,” Guadagnino said. “So it’s just time for me to move on and be with my family.”
The Blue Waves, who received two goals and two assists from Logan Dempsey, are also 3-1. But defenseman Kevin Qualey suffered what seemed to be a serious left knee injury early in the game.
“It’s big, real big,” Guadagnino said. “He’s our best player.”
Riverhead led 3-0 after one quarter.
Then Murtha scored. Then Pluchino scored twice in a span of 1:07. Then Murtha scored again for a lead Floyd didn’t relinquish.
The Colonials led 8-6 at halftime and expanded it to 13-7 after three. Matt Shaw made 15 saves for them.
“Our offense was clicking,” Pluchino said, “and the defense was playing well.”
