25 Top CNY Lacrosse Stories of 2009: 6-10

Starting the year 17-0 is an awesome accomplishment when you consider some of the opponents - John Jay, Canandaigua, Ithaca, Orchard Park. Coach Bob Streeten and Corning East were riding both of these streaks into the middle of May. Avenging an 8-7 loss to CE in April, the Little Red of Ithaca (see Top Story25) brought the 17-game win streak to an end.

But it was an even more impressive streak that came to an end at the hands of Chenango Forks in the Section 4 title game on June 2nd. A twenty-four year string of Section Championships for Corning East, a streak that will probably not be seen again in any sport, was broken as Forks got revenge for two losses to East earlier in the year (including a 9-8 loss in 2OT's).

As often happens in sports after a team has a huge victory, Chenango Forks felt the upset bug bite in their NYS Playoff opening round game against Section 10's St. Lawrence, losing 8-7 at SUNY Potsdam (see Top Story 24) 

In February the Canandaigua boys lacrosse team learned that they had been selected, over two other finalists, to be the focus of the second season of New Balance's 'Season in the Balance'. They were chosen based on a video produced by supporters that showed the passion the entire community has for their team and the sport of lacrosse.

New Balance donated thousands of dollars worth of equipment, including sharp looking uniforms, to the program, and sent a small film crew to produce short documentaries chronicling the Braves entire season. From the very first practices in snowy upstate NY, along for the ride to Connecticut for the Daniel Hand,  capturing the heartbreak of a one-goal loss to Section 6 power Orchard Park, and another early season loss to Section 4's Corning East, the videos were a window to the trials and tribulations of a team of dedicated and passionate coaches and athletes.

These weren't just highlight videos. We were allowed to follow the players to their classrooms, down the hallways, to indoor and outdoor practices, on bus rides, to doctor's offices, and even into their homes. It was truly amazing to see almost every aspect of what a team deals with as they work their way through a season. We even joined in as they found fun ways to relieve the stress as the wins began to pile up. And pile up they did, ending with 20 wins in a row and a 22-2 record.

And in true storybook fashion, the Braves were able to take us with them as battled their way through the Sectional playoffs and right on to their victory in the NYS Championship Game.

Thanks to Jim G. for sending me the correct link where you can watch all the episodes of 'Season in the Balance'.

 

They didn't expect it to be easy, and it wasn't. Making it to the National Championship game after going undefeated the entire season, the OCC men faced a Nassau CC team that had a record of  21-5 - in JUCO National Championship games! The Lazers, who were averaging around 25 goals per game, were held to nine as the game entered its final moments. But nine would be good enough for the one goal victory and the third championship in four years.

The Thompsons, um, Jeremy and Jerome, combined for 5 of the 9 goals (Jerome getting the game-winner with 7:21 left) and then were called on to control the ball for the final 3 minutes to secure the win and the title.

It was a great win for Onondaga Community College, but the celebration did not end with the men's championship.

Photos from the men's title game can be found at Syracuse,com.

 

The tournament's Most Outstanding Player, junior Brandon Misiaszek (New Hartford) Misiaszek took advantage of Gettysburg's decision to put their LSM on SUNYAC Player of the Year Joey Morgan to score a career-high 5 goals to lead the Cortland Red Dragons to their second National Championship in four years. It was also head coach Steve Beville's 200th career win, and the Red Dragon's 19 wins for the season set a school record.

At the defensive end, after falling behind 4-2 in the first quarter Cortland goalie Matt Hipenbecker held Gettysburg scoreless for over 38 minutes as the Red Dragons turned the game around by scoring the next 7 goals. Hipenbecker had seven saves in the final quarter to hold off the Bullets' comeback attempt.

Got some free time? Links below to the post-game press conference and over 700 photos.

Post-game press conference    Rich Barnes' Photos    Lance Cole Photos

 

• '09 ESPN The Magazine /CoSIDA Academic All-America At-Large Team
• '07-'09 IWLCA First Team All-American
• 4-time unanimous All-BIG EAST First Team selection
• 2-time BIG EAST Attack Player of the Year
• '08-'09 Attacker of the Year - WomensLax.com
• '09 WomensLax.com First Team All-American
• '09 NCAA #2 in Points, Assists, PPG, & APG
• 4th in NCAA Career Points
• '09 BIG EAST scoring leader
• BIG EAST All-Time Leading Scorer
• All-Time Syracuse University Leader in Goals, Assits, Points
• Single Game NCAA Tournament Point Record (13)

 Thanks Katie.

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