Plainedge never trailed, but no lead was safe for the Red Devils against never-say-die Lynbrook in Thursday’s Nassau Class C boys’ lacrosse quarterfinal playoff matchup.
Senior Brian Keaveney had three goals and three assists, senior Owen Donnellan had a hat trick, sophomore Brady Kelly had two goals and four assists, and sophomore Dom Agovino two goals and two assists as No. 3 Plainedge outlasted the sixth-seeded Owls, 12-11, in unseasonably cold and rainy conditions.
“It wasn’t our best game, but a win is a win especially when there’s no tomorrow,” Plainedge coach Dan Achatz said. “Lynbrook is a quality team. We had them 12-5 a few weeks ago and they came back and made it really close. We thought we put them away several times again today, but they kept coming at us. We were able to handle their rallies and I’m proud our guys were able to grind it out.”
The Red Devils, who defeated the Owls 13-11 May 6, led the rematch 3-0, 6-3, 9-6 and 12-8. The four-goal margin was with 6:34 remaining after Agovino set up junior Andrew Piscardi. Lynbrook then scored the game’s last three goals and had one disallowed late for a crease violation that would’ve tied it.
“It’s a tough loss obviously,” Lynbrook coach Bill Luzzi said. “We fought back from a three-goal deficit multiple times and almost came back from four down. Our kids had a lot of fight and are class acts. I wish they could’ve made it to Hofstra.”
Senior Bennett Votano had four goals and an assist, senior Jack LaBarbera added a hat trick and senior Luke Dantona scored twice for the Owls, who finished 11-6. The trio combined for 92 goals this spring, led by Votano’s 33. LaBarbera had 30 and Dantona 29.
The Red Devils (8-9) advance to face second-seeded and defending county champion Wantagh in the semifinals at Hofstra Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. The Warriors edged Plainedge 13-11 May 9.
“We know it’s going to be a difficult game but we definitely have what it takes to win,” said Agovino, who has 33 goals and 14 assists. “We just have to stay calm and collected like we did today and get the job done. Everybody on our offense is a threat. We have three lefties and three righties and we can attack from anywhere. We just have to find a way to contain Wantagh’s big guns and I think it’ll be another close game.”
Plainedge led the Owls 4-3 after the first quarter and didn’t allow a goal in the second as Donnellan (33 goals, 21 assists) scored twice for a 6-3 halftime lead. LaBarbera, junior Tyler Berke and Votano scored early in the third quarter to tie it before Kelly netted back-to-back goals and Keaveney (36 goals, 20 assists) one to reopen a three-goal cushion at 9-6.
“We’ll enjoy this tonight get right back to work tomorrow,” Agovino said.
