Trust and Effort
It wasn't quite the start the Skylanders wanted, but the win was worth the wait.
Sussex traveled to Maryland and Long Island for their first two games. The results, both blowout loses, could have been devastating to the teams moral. It was exactly the opposite.
"These guys were looking at us for answers," said 4th year head coach Steve Manitta, "We're inexperienced in spots, but we were improving with every scrimmage and game. They needed to continue to give quality effort in film and practice and trust us, and their teammates."
They were seeing little improvements. Those little improvements started to make a difference. The fundamentals were more crisp. The communication was better. They were making the extra pass in drills.
That translated to a win at home and a little dose of confidence.
Chase Geer was masterful at the faceoff X, going 15 of 20. Those extra possessions allowed an offense to get more opportunities and find their rhythm.
Sophomore Nate Melnick finished the game with 3 goals and 2 assists while six other 'Landers finished with at least a goal.
Jeremiah Carfello, Tyler Gadson, Chase Geer, freshman Sean Utter, Alex Husenjnovic and LSM Terry Terzakis all found the back of the net against a gritty Tompkins-Cortland team that was filled with talent from Upstate NY and Canada.
Carfello and Husenjovic joined Melnick with assists on the day.
The defense was led by Liam MacCluggage who changed positions to help his team.
"What Liam did was a selfless act plain and simple," Manitta stated. "He's a captain, and one of the best goalies in the region, but knew he could help out in different ways."
His replacement, freshman Owen Amacker finished the day with 12 saves, and triggered transition opportunities all afternoon. Dion Meadows, and 6'5 245 lb newcomer, Derek Cortes made things difficult for the Panthers all afternoon.
Defensive midfielders Cam Hill and Jayden Ortiz were also a huge difference makers for the Skylanders.
Up next for Sussex, a visit from Williamson on Friday March 8th.
