Boys Lacrosse: SWR christens its new field with resounding win

Shoreham-Wading River opened its high school boys high school lacrosse season in mid-season form Monday afternoon.

The Wildcats rolled to a 5-0 advantage midway through the first quarter and recorded a 17-7 non-league home win over St. John the Baptist.

Junior Chris Gray led the way with six goals and senior Jason Curran added four in the first game on the new Thomas Cutinella Memorial Field.

It wasn’t just the attack that shined as the defense — the team and back line — played a sharp and focused game, not allowing the Cougars (12-8 last season) to set up their attack or take many quality shots, especially in the opening half.

Kevin Cutinella sandwiched goals between a Gray score to spark the Wildcats to a 3-0 lead with 7 minutes 25 seconds remaining in the first quarter.

Then Shoreham’s dynamic attacking duo took over by recording hat tricks.

First, Curran put in three consecutive goals for Shoreham within a span of 2:32, which was interrupted by a Jimmy Lampe score for the Cougars for a 6-1 lead.

Then Gray tallied his three straight goals for the Wildcats within a 1:59 span — his personal streak was interrupted by Kyle Portera’s goal — as Shoreham extended its lead to 9-2 to close out the first quarter.

Eighth-grader Xavier Arline contributed two goals and Danny Cassidy, Jon Constant and Joe Miller added one apiece.

The Wildcats start league play at Rocky Point on Wednesday.

Photo caption: The St. John the Baptist (red) and Shoreham-Wading River captains meet before the first game at Shoreham’s new Thomas Cutinella Memorial Field. (Credit: Robert O’Rourk)