Fayetteville-Manlius’ offense finished the job that their defense started in the 7-5 victory over Syracuse that closed the regular season.
Even though F-M didn’t have the high scoring affair that they had the last time the two teams matched up, resilience kicked in and the home team found a way to win the game by relying on their defense and occasionally getting the ball past the goalie.
Their leading goal-scorer, Donovan Welsh, was suspended for the game, putting more pressure on everybody else, which they responded to by playing extra hard on the defensive end while being patient on offense.
The defensive effort was what kicked off the postgame meeting when Hornet head coach Chris Kenneally and his assistants reviewed the contest. Kenneally reminded his team that Syracuse is a very good team and it’s impressive that they held them to just five goals.
Still, the first half was nerve-wracking for those who were on F-M’s side. Before coming through with a 3-1 run that lasted throughout the third quarter, which ended up being the difference in the game, the Hornets spent the first half searching for the firepower to play to their potential, leading to the halftime score of 2-2.
Goalie Ryan Boshart had a lot to do with the way that F-M was containing Syracuse. He made sure that it took a good shot to score a goal, as he ended up with nine saves.
Boshart did just enough to give the offense a chance to join him as he carried the Hornets to a victory. Though the absence of Welsh made it difficult for them to find the extra gear, the Hornets were determined to make it work and get off the field with a win.
Players like Mac Fish, Luke Burnam, and Ryan Cicci made some noise. All recording multiple points, Fish led the way with two goals and an assist, Burnam had a goal with a pair of assists, and Cicci had a goal and an assist apiece.
F-M’s Nick Papa, James Rettinger, and Tommy Ryu also found the back of the net was in their win over Syracuse.
