Nassau Community College captured the NJCAA North Atlantic District Championship in emphatic fashion on April 25, overpowering College of DuPage, 20-6, at Mercer to claim the title and continue its outstanding season.
With the championship victory, the Lions improved to 9-4 and earned the district crown behind one of their most dominant performances of the year.
Nassau set the tone early, taking a 3-1 lead after the opening quarter before extending the advantage to 7-2 at halftime. The Lions then delivered the decisive blow in the third quarter, erupting for eight goals to seize a commanding 15-2 lead and put the game away.
Harley Finklestein paced Nassau's explosive offense with five goals and four assists for a game-high nine points. Tim Navin added three goals and three assists, while Luke Hartman netted a hat trick. Matt D'Aversa contributed two goals and four assists in a standout all-around performance.
The Lions received scoring depth throughout the lineup, with Jake Grimm scoring twice, Alessandro Walaitis adding two goals and one assist, and Alex Kershis, Langston Goodwin, and Richard Cardali each adding goals.
Nassau dominated in every phase of the game, out shooting College of DuPage 55-38 while controlling possession with a 40-17 edge in ground balls. The Lions also won 14 of 25 face offs, led by Alex Kershis, who went 10-for-17 at the X.
Defensively, Nassau was just as sharp, forcing 25 turnovers and getting a strong performance in net from Devin Dubendorf, who recorded 19 saves over 60 minutes.
The Lions now set their sights on the NJCAA National Tournament where they wait to see who they will face in the first round on May 2nd.Â
Go Lions!
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