South Fork Boys Lacrosse Is Hunting Down Its First Ever Postseason Berth

The top priority from day one for the South Fork boys lacrosse team since it formed with the Bridgehampton, East Hampton, Pierson, Southampton and Ross programs, has been to clinch its first ever postseason berth. While it’s not quite there just yet, the Islanders are knocking on the doorstep.

South Fork has won what head coach Matt Babb has called a number of big victories for the program thus far this season, but it’s latest came on Saturday morning when it defeated host Patchogue-Medford, 15-5. East Hampton’s Jack Cooper was dominant in faceoffs, winning 18 of 21 on the day, and East Hampton’s Bryan Pannasch and Charlie Corwin combined for South Fork’s first four goals of the game, leading to a 5-0 first-quarter lead, one it wouldn’t relinquish.

Corwin finished with four goals and an assist, Pannasch finished with three goals and two assists and Southampton’s Zac Mobius and Jai Agoglia each scored a pair of goals. Pierson’s Hudson Brindle made 14 saves in goal.

“We played our best team game this season,” Babb said. “I’m very proud of the way the boys came out and played today. We played a complete and unselfish game.

“Today’s win is our biggest for the program to date, at least until the next one.”

The victory capped what was a successful 3-1 week for the Islanders, with victories over Patchogue-Medford, Longwood (6-5) and North Babylon (17-5) and a 15-8 loss at Sachem North. South Fork is 6-3 on the season, and while the standings on Monday afternoon hadn’t reflected its victory over Patchogue-Medford yet, it should be in the 11th and final playoff spot, once the standings are updated, with five games remaining.

“The top 11 make the playoffs and that has been our goal since day one,” Babb said. “We will continue to work towards that this week. We have many players that can lead us in goals or points on any given day, making us difficult to defend. The team is excited for the challenges that lie ahead.”

East Hampton’s Jack Freel scored the game winning, behind-the-back goal after a one-handed interception with 2:38 remaining, capping a three-goal comeback at Longwood on May 17. Chance Brindle was South Fork’s only multiple goal scorer that game with two.

Southampton’s Luke Marro scored a hat trick, albeit in a losing effort at Sachem North. South Fork responded with a strong victory over North Babylon. Southampton’s Owen Koszalka scored four goals in that game, with Chance Brindle providing three goals and two assists. Corwin and Mobius each chipped in with a pair of goals.

South Fork played at undefeated Huntington on Tuesday and is scheduled to play at Walt Whitman this Thursday, May 27, at 4:45 p.m., and then will host Middle Country on Saturday morning at 10 a.m. at East Hampton High School.