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2008 - It's Long Island Again in ESG
 -  Long Island easily defeated Central to walk away with their fourth consecutive Gold Medal. Hudson Valley also defeated Western to win the Bronze Medal. gold medal teamThis was Long Island's 15th Gold Medal, Central's 9th Silver Medal, and Hudson Valley's 7th Bronze Medal.

Hudson Valley controlled the game and won the bronze medal (7-5) in men's lacrosse at the 31st annual Empire State Games. The entire team contributed to the victory but the game was won on the exemplary achievements of two particular Valley players. Luke Haggerty in the goal and Cole McCormack's face off work was the difference for Hudson Valley. Western scored three goals in the fourth quarter, two of which were in EMO but fell short.

In the first quarter Long Island scored three unanswered goals on their way to a 14-3 win. Matthew Palasek scored first, his first of six goals, with an assist from Steven Murphy on a side arm shot over the top of the goalie's stick.

In the cage, Long Island played Rob Bellairs in the entire game and he finished with 8s/3ga (73%). Central split goalies at the half. Alex Fiore took over for the second half and finished with 2s/8ga.

Long Island won their fourth consecutive gold medal. Although the medal game was a blow out, the indications that the competition was the best in years was readily available. Although Long Island defeated all their opponents they won most by slim margins (Western by two, Hudson Valley by one, Central by one). Article continues