Brothers Tom and Ryan Compitello learned lacrosse as youngsters, played together at Hauppauge High School, but went their separate ways in college. Tom, a year ahead, went to Stony Brook University, Ryan decided on Hartford. Both schools compete in the America East Conference.
By upsetting Albany last week, Hartford (7-3) is involved in a two-team race with Stony Brook (5-3) to determine home-field advantage in the conference tournament, where the winner gets an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. The teams meet Saturday in Hartford.
“Obviously, beating Albany was a huge win for their program,’’ Tom, a 5-10, 190-pound senior attack, said. “We don’t want to go anywhere in the conference tournament, we want everything to stay in Stony Brook.’’Ryan, a 5-9, 185-pound junior attack, added: “We’re trying to turn the corner and get into the tournament. There’s a lot at stake with Stony Brook. We are up for the challenge and hopefully can make a little noise in the conference.’’
Both are integral members of their team’s offense. Tom has nine goals and 10 assists, Ryan has 13 and 16. No scouting report is needed for either player.
“The coaches know what he’s done,’’ Tom said of his brother. “They'll watch film. They’ll try to dig a little.’’
This could be the last time the brothers face each other. Hartford has lost three straight to Stony Brook, two since Ryan arrived. “It would be nice to have a little notch on the belt,’’ Ryan said.
About 20 family members will be at the game. Thomas, the players’ father, sets the rooting tone. Ryan said, “My dad has a red fleece embroidered with Hartford’s logo on one side of the chest and Stony Brook’s on the other.’’
