Crusaders rebound against Valley Central with 19-2 varsity lacrosse win

CENTRAL VALLEY — On Monday, April 23, at Monroe-Woodbury High School, the Crusaders took on the Vikings of Valley Central High School in a OCIAA Division 1 varsity lacrosse matchup.
The Crusaders entered the game with a 3-2 record after falling to a tough Bethlehem, Pa., High School team on Saturday by a score of 14-7.
The Vikings walked right into a Crusader ambush: Before the first quarter had ended, the Crusaders were up by a score of 9-0.
Danny Fitzpatrick led the onslaught, scoring four of his game-high seven goals in the period.
The Crusaders seemed to pace their attack in the second quarter but were able to score four more times before the Vikings were able break the shutout just before the half, making the score 13-1.
The Crusaders controlled the second half while scoring six more times; the Vikings scored only once more in the fourth quarter.
In net for the Crusaders stood Thomas Dickerson, who came up with five saves before he gave way to Dean Pesce, who came up with two more.
The Crusaders offense was lead by Fitzpatrick with seven goals and three assists; Jack Colbath and Jack Dembia, who had three goals apiece; and Kyle Rafferty, who scored once and assisted on three other scores.
The 19-2 victory brings the team's season record to 4-2.
Their next game was scheduled for April 25 at 6 p.m. in Kingston against the Tigers.
- William Dimmit