Southern Tier Sports ReportENDICOTT — The Corning Hawks boys’ lacrosse team are regional champions after a 19-7 win over Monroe Woodbury on Saturday at Union-Endicott High School.
It’s the second time since the Corning Hawks became a combined program that they are headed to the state final four.
“We played exceptionally well box to box clearing the ball again today,” Corning coach Chris Hogue said. “Very proud of how they are playing.”
Clayton Smith had four goals and three assists for the Hawks and Dom DiNardo, Joe Fucito and Kohl Hogue all had three goals and three assists in the win.
“It is very special to be one of only two teams to come out of Corning and win a regional game,” Smith said. “I’m very excited to be in the final four and can’t wait to play on Wednesday.”
Tully Fratarcangelo had four goals and James Freeman and Dylan Brewster each had goals in the game.
“It’s very special to me because our team has worked so hard to get to this point and it feels great to finally get it on my senior year,” Fratarcangelo said of winning regionals. “I’m very excited to play in the final four. It’s something all of us have wanted for a long time.”
Brenden Jardin-Reed and Gavin Glick combined to win 21-of-30 face-offs and Deegan Rankin had 12 ground balls.
“The whole week our coaches have been emphasizing the amazing opportunity we had today, to be the second Corning team to make it to the final four since the two schools combined” Jardin-Reed said. “It was so special to win regionals with boys I have bene playing with for 10 plus years. I know I speak for the whole team when I say we are fired up to have the opportunity to play in the final four and we are going to make the most of it.”
Ian Harpster had six saves for the Hawks.
“It’s amazing to be a part of another historical team,” Harpster said. “Legacy is something that lives forever and it’s surreal to be a part of. Regional champs is a title very few Corning players have had the privilege of claiming. It’s humbling and truly an honor to be a part of.
“We are pumped to be playing in the final four. It’s crazy to be that close to the state chp and we are going to take advantage of the great opportunity. Wednesday can’t come quick enough.”
Corning plays in the state semifinals at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday against Half Hollow Hills at Middletown High School. Half Hollow is the top ranked public school in the state rankings and they are 20-0 on the year. They have are the No. 1 ranked public school in the nation according to USA lacrosse magazine.
“The win means everything, especially with these boys who I’ve play with my entire life,” DiNardo said. “To be only the second team to win regionals for Corning means everything. I’m beyond excited to compete in the Final Four.”
While winning regionals is special, there is still more the Hawks want to accomplish this year.
“This is very special for us,” Fucito said. “Loved getting another win for the seniors and the coaching staff that works very hard for us every day. We know this is our second time making it to the final four in school history since Corning combined and we are all very juiced about that.
“Very excited for the final four to see how we compete with these teams. Looking forward to more.”
————
PROVIDED PHOTOS.
