Rye High’s season came to a screeching and heartbreaking halt at home Tuesday in the final seconds of its Sectional playoff game against John Jay, as they lost 6-5.

 

 

By Melanie Cane

 

Rye High’s season came to a screeching and heartbreaking halt at home Tuesday in the final seconds of overtime in its Sectional playoff game against John Jay, as they lost 6-5.

 

After finishing regular season play at 13-3 and earning the No. 2 seed, the boys’ lacrosse team had rolled over Eastchester 14-3 in the playoff quarterfinals on May 18.

 

In the semi-final against John Jay, Rye took a 4-3 lead into the half and added a goal early in the third quarter. Then, John Jay scored twice in the last three minutes of the third to knot the game at 5. In a tense and evenly played fourth quarter, neither team scored due to superb defense on both sides of the field and spectacular saves by both goalies.

 

Rye gained possession off the faceoff in overtime. They passed around and behind the goal for several minutes, as John Jay’s defense was so tight and impenetrable that Rye could not get off a clean shot. Then John Jay grabbed a loose ball and tore down the field in a fast break. Rye’s goalie, Peter White, made a brilliant save off his stick, but John Jay grabbed the ricochet and found the back of the net with 10 seconds left in OT. The Garnets collapsed to the ground in shock and devastation, while John Jay jumped up and down in celebration.

 

Jack Hasselmann, Nick Franchella, Chris Santangelo, and Cal Hynson all scored for RHS. White had nne saves. John Jay’s goalie had 12 saves.

 

“Every player on our team played their hearts out and our defense only let in six goals, which is a solid performance,’’ said Coach Brian Dooley. “We are so proud of our players and the season they had.”