Stretch run challenges Colts

Facing the likely No. 1, 2 and 3 seeds in the Nassau Class B boys’ lacrosse playoffs in its last three regular-season games makes for a challenging ending for Calhoun.

The Colts came away from their first test feeling pretty good despite a 13-8 loss at home to Division last Saturday.

“We competed with them and were within striking distance heading into the fourth quarter,” Calhoun coach Don Fleming said. “That was our plan. We did a nice job on face-offs and possessed the ball.”

As they have all spring, senior attack Paul Grubb and junior midfielder Joe McGinley led the Colts’ offense. Grubb had three goals and one assist and McGinley added a pair of goals. Patrick Greene was a key on draws, and senior goalie Kevin MacBride had 11 saves.

The setback dropped Calhoun to 6-7 overall, 3-3 in Conference B-I, with games against defending county champion Garden City and Wantagh remaining.

“We want to come out and do whatever we have to do to compete,” said Fleming, who expects the Colts to be seeded as high as No. 12 for the playoffs, set to begin May 19. “We lost 8-5 to Garden City at Hofstra last year in the playoffs, so we’ll be looking to duplicate that effort and have a shot at them come the fourth quarter.”

Grubb and McGinley (five goals in a 9-4 victory over Jericho on May 5) have scored more than 30 and 20 goals, respectively, and junior Charlie Isham has chipped in 13. The return to health of defenders Travis Massetti and Coleman Meier would provide a boost heading into the playoffs, Fleming said. James Dragan is the only defender to start every game.