The top-seeded Patriots used a 6-1 scoring run in the first quarter to put No. 8 Connetquot away in a Class A lacrosse quarterfinal on Tuesday, finishing their rout of the Thunderbirds 16-1.
Senior goalie Dan Nemirov made seven saves as the Ward Melville defense clamped down and allowed just one goal on 19 shots.
"He's been doing that all year," head coach Mike Hoppey said. "When we've needed him in the real close games, he's made some great saves."
On offense, sophomore Dan Bucaro totaled three goals and four assists, Jack Bruckner scored five goals and added an assist, and Christian Mazzone scored twice. Nine different Patriots scored or assisted in the game.
"That's how we've been doing it all year, kind of spread out a little bit," Hoppey said. "A lot of guys can do it, so it makes us pretty dangerous offensively."
Ward Melville (17-0), which last won a county title in 2000, out-shot Connetquot 30-19 and held a 13-8 advantage in face-offs. Next up: the semifinals, where Ward Melville will face No. 4 Smithtown East, who defeated No. 5 West Islip on Tuesday. Game time is set for 4 p.m. at home.
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