Cortland-Gettysburg Lax Battle in Massapequa

Massapequa has a strong lacrosse program of its own at the high school level, but for one day a year the town turns into college lacrosse central with the annual North-South Oyster Bay Challenge between Cortland and Gettysburg.

The Division III schools met again Saturday afternoon at John J. Burns Park with the Red Dragons capturing a 9-3 victory and improving its record to 4-0.

Cortland senior midfielder and Long Island native Chris DeLuca was named game MVP for his two goals and 8-of-9 showing in the face-off circle. Gettysburg sophomore goalie J.T. McCook took home the same honor for his team, recording 12 saves in the loss.

Three years back, alumni from both colleges presented the idea of playing on Long Island because of the large contingent of current and former players that live in the area associated with both clubs.

“It’s different,” Gettysburg head coach Hank Janczyk said. “We both adjust well and it’s fun.”

“It’s good for the Long Island boys to play in front of a home crowd,” added Cortland head coach Steve Beville.

Cortland has won two of the three contests on the Island.

Next weekend, the Sienna and Wagner women’s lacrosse programs will play in Farmingdale and in April, the Duke and Denver men's teams will play at Bethpage High School.