By Chris Vaccaro
MaxPreps.com
The Huntington lacrosse team entered the 2007 season with a huge target on its back. Not only are the Blue Devils the top team in the state of New York, but one of the top teams in the country, as well.
Huntington's 3-0 start, including a win over nationally-ranked John Jay, shows that high expectations aren't hindering the Blue Devils.
Getting three goals from All-American Shamel Bratton, Huntington extended its winning streak to 46 games with a 9-6 win over John Jay Saturday. The contest was televised by the Madison Square Garden network a day later.
Two days earlier, Bratton contributed five goals in a 16-5 win over Eastport-South Manor. Zack Howell, headed to Duke, added two goals and three assists. Bratton, along with twin brother Rhamel, will play at the University of Virginia next year.
In other New York lacrosse action, Matt Palasek had four goals in Rocky Point's 14-3 win over Glenn. Hofstra-bound Joe Montemurro scored four goals in Kings Park's 15-11 win over Bayport-Blue Point. Port Washington beat Plainview, 9-8, while Baldwin beat Hills West, 9-7.
Softball: Milestones and Records
East Hampton junior pitcher Jessie Stavola struck out 18 batters against Rocky Point in a 2-0 win, breaking her own school record of 17 and tying the Suffolk record set by Bay Shore's Kim Ryan in 1998.
Jericho's Alex Brody threw the first no-hitter in school history in a 1-0 win over Valley Stream North. It was the first game of the season and Brody scored the only run as well.
Badminton: Miller Place Finally Loses
There is only one certain thing about the sport of badminton on Long Island. Miller Place does not lose. Until, however, Half Hollow Hills beat them, 9-8.
It was only the second time in 534 matches that Miller Place lost. The last time was in 2005 against Smithtown and this one came as a shocker for everyone.
Spencer Blatt beat Miller Place's Ruiwei Li, 15-12, 15-13, with the score tied at 8.
CHSAA Baseball Notes
St. Dominic's T.J. Thomas may be the luckiest player going to play college baseball from Long Island this year. He signed to play at San Diego State under Tony Gwynn. Talk about learning from the best.Kellenberg features one of the better pitching combinations in the area with Matt Loosen and James Stone. Both posted ERAs below 0.50 a year ago and combined for a 13-1 record. Stone will play at Fordham next season.Never count out St. Anthony's (13-0) in any sport, especially when they have a player like Chris Walker, a catcher who will join Stone at Fordham.Eastport-South Manor pitcher Greg Smith began his season on a high note, striking out 10 batters and giving up just two hits in a 5-0 victory over Kings Park.
