Patriots Spike Commack in First Road Game

Score: Ward Melville 3, Commack 0

Records: Ward Melville (2-0), Commack (1-1)

Heroes: Alexa Stonish's sets to both Jayne Imperato and Haley Blunt allowed Ward Melville to end points quickly. And the kills that Imperato registered in Game 1, and that Blunt chalked up in Game 3, allowed the Patriots to pull away from Commack.

Turning Point: The score stayed relatively close at the beginning of each of the three games. But despite an occasional lapse where the Patriots might give up two or three straight points, they took control early and never let go. In Game 1, the Patriots reeled off seven consecutive points to take an 11-4 lead. Then, after giving up two points, they took seven of the next eight.

In Game 2, they took the first four points before allowing the Cougars to come back to 5-7. The Patriots took 9 of the next 13 points to put the game away.

After losing three points to start Game 3, the Patriots reeled off eight in a row.

The Quote: Ward Melville coach Charlie Fernandes had to juggle his lineup due to replace two injured starters. One of the bench players he started was Imperato. "She was probably one of the better players of the day," Fernandes said. "I was pretty happy with Jayne. She really shone."

Bottom Line: While the Patriots swept their second consecutive game of the season, and have not lost a regular season matchup since falling to Lindenhurst in October 2008, Fernandes thinks his team is capable of playing better, and that the Patriots will have to do so to repeat last year's 21-0 season. "Our expectations are very high," Fernandes said, adding, "We're trying to have a special season."

Who's Next: The Patriots will host Patchogue-Medford next Wednesday, Sept. 22, at 6pm.

Box Score:

Ward Melville   25   25   25   3

Commack          14    14   17    0