On this day 20 years ago, the boys’ lacrosse team won their season finale, 3-1, against a strong Babylon team that went on to play in the Class B County Championship. During a season in which the Bears lost six one-goal games, two of which coming in overtime, the victory was a bright spot for the youthful squad in only its second year of varsity play. Sam Hanchett got the scoring started in the first period, courtesy of a pass from James Hagn. Behind strong defense from Chris Lunati and Jeremy Linzee and outstanding net-minding from Ben Heinsohn, the Brook shut out the Panthers in the first half to take a 1-0 halftime lead.

Babylon scored their first goal in the third quarter, but Heinsohn, who saved 16 of the 17 shots he saw, made sure it was their last. Toby Hanchett and Matt Bell each scored in the third period and the two-goal lead, coupled with a nearly impenetrable defense, ensured the Blue and White victory.

The lacrosse team captured its season finale with a 3-1 margin over Babylon, a class B playoff finalist. Sam Hanchett of Stony Brook scored first as he received a tight pass from senior James Hagn of Stony Brook and threw in a left-handed shot past a Babylon defender. Junior Toby Hanchett scored the game-winner with 7:46 to play in the third period in a man-up situation. A minute later, senior Matt Bell sealed the game with a low shot that bounced past the screened Babylon goaltender. Bell won six of seven faceoffs.

~ The Village Times

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