The LILJ HSWL Playoffs got started in the JV bracket on Wednesday evening in matchup that featured the 4th seeded YJ Friedman team vs the 5th seeded Ward Melville Patriots for the right to advance to the semifinals and face Bayport JV. This matchup had all of the feels of a four vs five matchup due to the competitive nature of the game that saw YJ Friedman edge past Ward Melville by a score of 14-11.
YJ Friedman had the edge through the first 20 minutes of play as they went into halftime with a 7-4 lead. The second half momentum started off in favor of Ward Melville as they scored the first two goals from Keira Pirozzi and Sadie Banks to turn a 7-4 game into a 7-6 game. However YJ Friedman stemmed the tide to increase the lead back to three with consecutive goals by Emma Fernandes and Ella Dragonette. The Patriots continued to show fight as they once again trimmed the deficit to one with back-to-back goals scored by Banks who finished with a game high four goals. Despite the efforts by the Patriots, YJ Friedman never relinquished the lead managed to hold on for the win to advance to the semifinals.
The victory for YJ Friedman saw key performances from a variety of players as five players scored multiple goals between Molly McNamara, Ella Schopp, Sarah Paci, Ella Dragonette, and Arianna Focarile. Beyond just scoring, Ella Schopp and Sophia Enea each added two caused turnovers, while Lainie Friedman, Harper Kleet, and Olivia Leopardi recorded two ground balls. The first half goaltending of Julia Ver Straten proved to be a difference maker with her four saves and 50% save percentage.
Ward Melville was led by stellar efforts from both Sadie Banks and Keira Pirozzi, between four goals and two assists from Banks, and three goals, three caused turnovers and five ground balls from Pirozzi. Also contributing in the ground ball category was Giavanna Parente with three and Hadley Torre with two.
YJ Friedman has earned a spot in the semifinals where they play against Bayport JV on January 13th at 5:15pm. Ward Melville will be going against YJ Duswalt in the consolation bracket on January 13th at 6:45pm.
