Gamblin Nets 5, LI Rolls 13-7

July 22, 2010

Hicksville's Brandon Gamblin (far right) gets a handshake from Hudson Valley after scoring five goals at the 2010 Empire State Games. Photo by Jason Molinet.
Hicksville’s Brandon Gamblin (far right) gets a handshake from Hudson Valley after scoring five goals at the 2010 Empire State Games. Photo by Jason Molinet.

BUFFALO — Long Island went on the attack Day 1 of the Empire State Games and emerged 2-0 after pelting the Hudson Valley goal in a 13-7 win Thursday afternoon at Canisius College. Hicksville rising senior attack Brandon Gamblin charged into the teeth of the Hudson Valley defense and scored just 1:17 into the game. It was the first of five goals for the UMass-bound scorer.

And yet Gamblin’s offensive outburst wasn’t even the most impressive highlight of a day filled with memorable moments. No, those belong to West Islip midfielder Michael Sagl. The understated senior has been a key cog in two state championship teams. Against Hudson Valley, he showed a little flair when he scored on an over-the-shoulder, behind-the-back shot — twice.

Once again, FOGO Jake Froccaro a rising junior from Port Washington, helped Long Island control the game by owning the faceoff circle. It helped the Island take a commanding 9-3 lead midway through the third quarter.

East Islip’s Kevin Wendel double pumped, sending a Hudson Valley defender flying past him to open a clear path to the net, also drew sideline raves. His score extended the lead to 10-3 with 1:25 left in the third.

Northport goalie Thomas Cordts made eight saves to earn the win.

Long Island has two more games on Friday. It faces Adirondack at 11 a.m. followed by the highly anticipated showdown versus Central under the lights at 8 p.m. With two winnable games left on the schedule – Adirondack and New York City – Long Island may have already positioned it self to reach the gold medal game.

So the prime time showdown against Central will be telling. For now, Long Island can sleep well having outplayed and outlasted host Western and always-respectable Hudson Valley. It’s a strong first day by any measure for coach Jay Mauro and Co.

TEAMS 1 2 3 4 F
Hudson Valley 0 2 2 3 7
Long Island 3 2 5 3 13

Goals – HV: Caffrey 2, Mcreddie 2, Bonaventura, Donohue, McNally LI: Gamblin 5, Sagl 2, Keenan, Jones, Miller, Pannell, Walsh, Wendel. Assists – HV: Caffrey, Dedomenico, Schurr LI: Keenan 3, Andreassi, Gamblin, Gerrato, Pannell. Saves – HV: Grace LI: Cordts 8.

Jay Mauro, Head Coach

June 1, 2010

Long Island scholastic boys lacrosse head coach Jay Mauro. Photo by David Savoie About: Mauro, 29, has been the boys lacrosse coach at Sachem North High School the last six seasons. This is his third Empire State Games experience. The Sachem grad was a player on the 1998 Long Island squad. Then he served as assistant coach in 2008. Mauro was slated to be the head coach in 2009 when the Games were cancelled. Mauro played at Butler University and graduated from Dowling College.