Islip Wins First State Title
June 9, 2018 - Islip came into the State Finals game after winning the first Section XI Title in their program history. They faced off against Westhill, who also won their first Sectional Title (Section III). Islip was led in scoring by Mike Bienkowski, who was named Class C Most Valuable Player. Beinkowski was demonstrative on the offense. He scored or assisted the first six goals and led his offense throughout. The Most Outstanding Defensive Player Award was given to junior goalie Devin DeGennaro who finished with 8 saves.
Islip scored the first three goals to take the early lead. Bienkowski scored all three. The first two was a drive down the right alley and the second was an outside shot from the top. The third goal was the only assisted goal with Ryan Scheidel feeding him during a fast-break. Westhill scored the fourth and final goal of the opening quarter. Senior Owen Matukas scored the first of his team leading 2g with a straight dodge from the top. Islip led 3-1 after 12 minutes.
Both teams added a single goal in the second quarter. Islip had another goal from Bienkowski with another sweep along the top to a mid-range shot. Westhill had another single dodge from Matukas. Islip led 4-2 at the half. Coming into the third, Islip added another 3 goals to their total over the first 10 minutes. Bienkowski assisted the first goal during man-up to Joe Juengerkes. Then he scored another, this time off a feed from Jeff Atlas. The third Buccaneer goal was scored by Juengerkes on a sweep from the high left to right. The Warriors finished out the quarter scoring with a fast-break goal by Will Delano off a feed from Luke McAnaney. Islip led 7-3 after three quarters.
Once again, Islip started off the quarter scoring. Bienkowski scored his sixth goal with another straight drive at the cage. Play continued down until the final minute when the Buccaneer’s added the final goal. Jack Lizzul scored the last goal with a straight drive at the cage to secure the Islip Victory.
