My friend, The Voice, gave me grief for not covering this game. And I missed a great early-season game. But, John Jay-East Fishkill and Lakeland always play great games. Lakeland (2003, ‘06) and John Jay-EF (1998, 2002) have combined for four state championships since 1998.

I spoke to Lakeland coach Sharon Sarsen following the game. John Jay took a 1-0 lead into halftime before the Hornets came out buzzing in the second half.

Chelsea Robinson evened the score at 1-1 on a feed from Gillian Murdock 2:40 into the second half. Lakeland controlled the play the majority of the second half and it was the youngsters who provided the decisive play.

Sophomore Megan Bozek sent a pass from the left wing to the far post and classmate Jillian Caffrey (who played varsity last season) got her stick on the ball and beat John Jay goalie, Megan Douglas, with 3:35 remaining in the game.

Robinson (Who graces the cover of the September issue of Lacrosse Magazine) explained to me in a phone interview following the game that she and her teammates were flat in the first half. They wanted to dig themselves out of the hole they made. But, the biggest motivation came from senior Tara McGovern, Lakeland’s quiet leader. Robinson noted that McGovern said to her at halftime ‘We’re not going to lose this game.’

Not only did it get Robinson’s juices flowing, it pumped up the entire team. Lakeland outshot John Jay, 9-1 in the second half and 14-3 for the game.

I know it’s still early, but Sarsen had four sophomores and a freshman playing important minutes this season. I recall a 2003 Lakeland team which had four freshmen play quality minutes. Their names were Melissa Gonzalez, Kara Connolly, Amy Voelkel and Rebecca DiSisto. All this quartet did was win two state titles.

I’m sure Lakeland and John Jay will meet again, in either the sectional semis or finals.

To the Voice, see ya soon and congrats on the impending birth of your second child, the soon-to-be little voice.