SBU falls, but Molfetta happy to return

Stony Brook University senior Trish Molfetta spent the past few weeks agonizing about the most important decision of her lacrosse career: Should she sit out the remainder of the season with a torn ACL in her right knee or try to finish her career with the rest of the senior class?

A few days ago, Molfetta still wasn't sure, saying, "I'm still going back and forth with it.''

Saturday was decision day as Stony Brook hosted Albany. Molfetta wore a large brace on her knee during the game and displayed a wide smile afterward despite an 11-5 loss to No. 11 Albany (9-0).

"I feel really good. It's nice being out there with my [team] again,'' said Molfetta, who did not start but played more than half the game. "I was getting a feel for how to play with the brace. I feel great. I couldn't be happier. We lost -- obviously, that's not the outcome we wanted to have -- but it's good to be out there and back with my team.''

The midfielder injured her knee in practice March 4 after getting off to an excellent start with five goals in her first three games. The injury usually requires surgery; that's what will happen, but, Molfetta hopes, not until after the season.

"I've been working hard to get back and be part of this team again,'' she said. "We have a lot of potential. We've only scratched the surface.''

The Seawolves (3-7) stayed with the powerful Great Danes for most of the game. Stony Brook trailed 3-2 at halftime and 7-5 with 12:41 left, but Albany scored the game's final four goals.

Albany's Nikki Branchini scored four goals. Kathleen Lennon of Sea Cliff, who attended North Shore High School, had one. Stony Brook freshman Kaila Gottick had three goals on five shots.

Molfetta had a cheering section that included her father, Rob, who played lacrosse for Hofstra from 1980-82. He recalled dislocating a knee and missing fall practice.

"But it wasn't as dramatic as this,'' he said about his daughter's injury. "It's nice to see her out there because I know this is what she loves.''

Molfetta, who attended Mahopac High School, could have elected to take a medical redshirt, but she has a big commitment after graduation next month.

"I plan to coach overseas,'' she said. "I went on an interview recently to coach in England. I have that lined up.''

Beyond that, it was about her senior teammates. "The girls that are in my senior class, there's nine of us, and they are all my best friends,'' she said. "It would be hard to stay another year and not play with them.''

Stony Brook coach Allison Comito added: "Trish has approached her injury like no one else I've ever seen. She's a fighter. I thought we needed her leadership. I completely agree with her decision. She's been working toward this season and I want her to finish it out with her teammates.''