Dragons take over U.F. Lacrosse club starts inaugural season BY JENNIFER KOHLHEPP Staff Writer JEFF GRANIT staff Allentown's Kevin Primich looks upfield to pass the ball against Old Bridge during an Allentown/Upper Freehold Dragons lacrosse game at Byron Johnson Park on April 14. There's fire in their bellies and passion in the hearts, but these dragons aren't after a princess. The Allentown/Upper Freehold Dragons are a new lacrosse club that started its inaugural season on April 14, storming onto home field at Byron Johnson Park to battle Old Bridge. With sunny skies and freshly painted fields, the dragons had a great day for lacrosse. The first game pitted the newly formed Dragons' fifth- and sixth-grade team against a strong Old Bridge squad. The Dragons squad fielded two rookie goalies, Christian Chiafullo and Wyatt Million, playing their first games ever. These two combined for eight saves on the day. "The Dragons are fortunate to have two players like Christian and Wyatt who stepped up fearless and focused to lead their team," John Masserini, a Dragons coach, said. PHOTOSBY JEFF GRANIT staff Above: Allentown's Matt Million runs upfield against Old Bridge during the Allentown/Upper Freehold Dragons' lacrosse game in Byron Johnson Park, Upper Freehold Township, on April 14. Below: Christopher Masserini makes sure he has control over the ball while pitted against Old Bridge's Cologialo Muscara at Byron Johnson Park April 14. Dragons Jess Manyoki, Mitch Lamb and John Bardwil each tallied a goal and all 15 players on the squad won at least one ground ball and had multiple successful clears. "All in all, it was a great first game for the Allentown Dragons and they all have much to look forward to over the next eight weeks," Masserini said. For the second game, the Dragons' third- and fourth-grade team charged onto the field. Old Bridge sent the first goal through the pipes. "Goalie Anthony Murphy immediately shook off that goal, and that one goal would be the last that got past for this game," Masserini said. The Dragons regained composure and from that point forward, the team was on the offensive. Utilizing the width of the field, they positioned themselves well and attacked the defensive end of the field with vigor. "Great efforts by Louis Campanella at the face-off position set up the fast breaks and allowed the team to generate 28 shots against a solid Old Bridge goalie," Masserini said. Ground balls were the key to maintaining possession, with Brody Zauner, Chris Masserini and Troy Wittholt all having more than seven each. Matt Salko dominated the defensive end at center crease along with defenders Chris Both and Christian Chiafullo, who pressured any Old Bridge player that entered the defensive box. "The big story for the team was in the offensive end, where attack men Ryan Bramble and Alec Johnston coordinated strongly with the middies and allowed the shots on goal to build," Masserni said. Kevin Primich, whose speed helped apply pressure, ended the game with two goals. Will Fiordland with a great overhand shot and a hat trick to Conner Sullivan drove the final score to 9-1 for the Dragons. The third game for the day again pitted the third- and fourth-grade team against Old Bridge. The Dragons continued to apply the offensive and defensive pressure and maintained possession by winning 53 ground balls. Rory Green led the offensive attack with five shots and two goals. Strong efforts from first-time players included Jake Morse's five ground balls and one shot-on-goal, and Joey Marsala-Williams' secured defense and five ground balls. "Goalie Anthony Murphy stayed tough between the pipes and allowed only one ball to pass," Masserni said. "He led the defensive effort and provided safe clears all day long." When the dust settled, the final score was 6-1 in favor of the Dragons. The next game for the fifth- and sixth-grade team is with Freehold on April 19. The third- and fourth-graders will take on Millstone and Robbinsville on April 22 in Millstone. The next home game for both teams is on April 28 against Trenton.