Sussex starts Slow, Pays the Price

The Skylanders were late to the party on Friday night in their second straight home game of 2024. A slow start doomed the 'Landers and the lack of fundamentals didn't help either.

Sloppy offensive possessions, poor shooting, missed ground balls, and a lack of defensive communication allowed a talented Williamson team to jump out to a 5-0 lead befor Sussex scored with just over 2 minutes to play in the first quarter. The home teams first goal and the celebration was short lived as another turnover allowed "The Trade" to cash in on another transition goal to make the final first quarter score 6-1. 

"This is one of the better teams we've had here, and there's no excuse for a team to play 15 minutes of lacrosse that poorly. We'll fix it." said Head Coach Steve Manitta

Both sides of the field were guilty of poor fundamentals early.

"We weren't matching up, we were ball watching, we were throwing too many checks", said sophomore defender Dion Meadows.

The 'Landers have a quick turnaround as they host a 2-0 Hudson Valley team Sunday at Newton High School at 1:00.

There were some bright spots for 3 quarters of play in Newton NJ. The final 3 quarters of play looked better as Sussex battled to a 4-3 second quarter, 3-2 third, and 3-3 fourth. 

"Every game that's played, we learn something, and this game we learned that you can't play 3 quarters of lacrosse and expect success." Manitta continued.

Jeremiah Carfello and Alex Husenjnovic each had two goals and an assist, and LSM Terry Terzakis scored a goal, his second of the season.

Team leader in points, Nate Melnick, who was removed from play early in the second quarter due to an injury, gathered 3 points with a one goal two assist evening. Freshman Jack France also assisted a goal on the night.