On this day 20 years ago, the boys’ lacrosse team defeated West Islip in their season opener, 7-5.

The Bears took a 3-0 lead in the first quarter thanks to two unassisted goals from Liam Banks and an unassisted score by Charlie Hanchett, but the Lions found the net with 1:20 remaining in the frame to trail 3-1 after the opening period. The Lions tacked on two more goals in the second quarter and held the Bears scoreless to bring both squads into the break knotted at 3-3.

The Bears took a one-goal lead with 6:47 left in the third when Hanchett assisted Kevin McCrane for a score, but Islip equalized just over a minute later. The Bears edged ahead again with 2:47 left in the third on an unassisted score by Hanchett, but the Lions drew even with 1:02 left to enter the fourth quarter locked in a 5-5 tie.

With 8:13 left in the fourth, Hanchett scored what proved to be the game-winner on an assist from Banks. After a penalty, the Bears faced a man-down situation, but a key stop from Derek Kenney preserved the narrow lead. Four minutes later, Hanchett repaid the favor, aiding Banks’ goal to provide the final margin in the 7-5 win.

The victory was a huge upset for the Bears as they took down the 10th-ranked large school team in the state. Hanchett and Banks led the way on offense, recording a hat trick each while Kenney anchored the defense with 10 saves between the pipes.

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