Walt Whitman’s Boys Varsity Lacrosse team has had a very successful 2016 season, ending with a record of 8-6. The boys, ranked 9th in their league, started playoffs at the home of the Commack Cougars, ranked 8th.

The Wildcats maintained a steady lead until the 4th quarter. Commack scored two goals within two minutes. These goals gave the Cougars their first lead of the game with a score of 7-6.

Fortunately, Senior Matthew “Stocky” Stockfeder (St. John’s University) scored his third goal of the game, pushing it into overtime.

Senior Colin O’Hara (Lynn University)  score the game-winning goal in overtime with an assist from his freshman brother Quinn O’Hara.

This intensity was definitely brought to the second round of playoffs. The Wildcats played the number one ranked West Islip Lions (14-2). Because Whitman is only ranked at number 9, the Lions expected an easy win. Unfortunately for them, the Wildcats and Coach Howell had different plans.

The Wildcats did not just hold the Lions; by the end of the first half, two goals from Stockfeder had Whitman beating West Islip 2-1.  

The team maintained their lead throughout the game. The Lions scored with 54 seconds left, making the score 6-5 Wildcats.

In the last 30 seconds, senior goalie Shane Brennan (Towson University) made an amazing save against the Lions. This 14th save by Brennan of the game kept the Wildcats from going into overtime. The final score was 6-5 Walt Whitman.

Coach Mike Brennan called this game “the biggest win in program history” and local news reports are referring to it as a “major upset No. 1 for West Islip” (Joe Lombardi, Dylan Butler).
The Wildcats will play in the semifinals on Wednesday, May 25th at the Dowling Sports Complex at 7:30 p.m. against the number 4 ranked Ward Melville Patriots (14-3). Admission is $6. Please come out to support the team!