Yearly Archives: 2025

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Many risk factors can be managed with lifestyle changes

By David Dunaief, M.D.

Dr. David Dunaief

February has been named American Heart Month by the American Heart Association, providing us with a reminder during the Valentine’s Day month to build heart-healthy habits.

Improved medicines, earlier treatment of risk factors, and an embrace of lifestyle modifications have helped reduce the prevalence of heart disease and remind us that it is ultimately preventable.

How do you reduce heart disease risk?

Major heart disease risk factors include obesity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking and diabetes. Unfortunately, rates of obesity and diabetes are both still rising. For patients with type 2 diabetes, 70 percent die of cardiovascular causes (1).

A key contributor is the standard American diet, which is rich in saturated fat and calories (2). This drives atherosclerosis, fatty streaks in the arteries.

A high resting heart rate is another potential risk factor. In one study, healthy men and women had 18 and 10 percent increased risks of dying from a heart attack, respectively, for every increase of 10 beats per minute (bpm) over 80 (3). A normal resting heart rate is typically between 60 and 100 bpm, so a high-normal rate has increased risk.

When does medication help?

Cholesterol and blood pressure medications have reducing some heart disease risk. according to the American Society of Hypertension, compliance with taking blood pressure medications has increased over the last 10 years from 33 to 50 percent.

Statins have also played a role in primary prevention. They lower lipid levels, including total cholesterol and LDL — the “bad” cholesterol. In addition, they lower inflammation levels that contribute to cardiovascular disease risk. The Jupiter trial showed statins contributed to a 55 percent combined reduction in heart disease, stroke and mortality from cardiovascular disease in healthy patients, those with slightly elevated levels of inflammation and normal cholesterol profiles.

Statins do have side effects, though. They’ve been shown to increase the risk of diabetes in intensive dosing, compared to moderate dosing (4). Many who are on statins also suffer from myopathy (muscle pain and cramping).

I’m often approached by patients on statins with this complaint. Their goal is to reduce and ultimately discontinue statins by modifying their diet and exercise plans.

Lifestyle modification is a powerful ally.

Which lifestyle changes reduce heart disease risk the most?

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The Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging investigated 501 healthy men and their risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. The authors concluded that those who consumed five or more servings of fruits and vegetables daily with <12 percent saturated fat reduced their risk of dying from heart disease by 76 percent, compared to those who did not meet these criteria (5). The authors theorized that eating more fruits and vegetables helped to displace saturated fats from the diet.

The Nurses’ Health Study shows that these results are also seen in women. Lifestyle modification reduced the risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) (6). This is often the first manifestation of heart disease in women. The authors looked at four parameters of lifestyle modification, including a Mediterranean-type diet, exercise, smoking and body mass index. The decrease in SCD was dose-dependent, meaning the more factors incorporated, the greater the risk reduction. There was as much as a 92 percent decrease in SCD risk when all four parameters were followed.

In a cohort study of high-risk participants and those with heart disease, patients implemented extensive lifestyle modification: a plant-based, whole foods diet accompanied by exercise and stress management. Study results showed an improvement in biomarkers, as well as in cognitive function and overall quality of life over a very short period — three months from the start of the trial (7). Outside of this study environment, many of my own patients have experienced similar results.

How do you monitor your heart disease risk?

Physicians use cardiac biomarkers, including blood pressure, cholesterol and body mass index, alongside inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein to monitor your risk. Ideally, if you need to use medications to treat risk factors for heart disease, you should strive for short-term intervention. For some, it may be best to use medication and lifestyle changes together; for patients who take an active role, lifestyle modifications may be sufficient.

By focusing on developing heart-healthy habits, you can improve the likelihood that you will be around for a long time.

References:

(1) Diabetes Care. 2010 Feb; 33(2):442-449. (2) Lancet. 2004;364(9438):93. (3) J Epidemiol Community Health. 2010 Feb;64(2):175-181. (4) JAMA. 2011;305(24):2556-2564. (5) J Nutr. March 1, 2005;135(3):556-561. (6) JAMA. 2011 Jul 6;306(1):62-69. (7) Am J Cardiol. 2011;108(4):498-507.

Dr. David Dunaief is a speaker, author and local lifestyle medicine physician focusing on the integration of medicine, nutrition, fitness and stress management. For further information, visit www.medicalcompassmd.com or consult your personal physician.

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Photo courtesy of StatePoint

With flowers blooming and birds chirping, you may be in a spring-cleaning mindset. As you spruce up your home, you can also channel that energy into getting your finances in tip-top shape!

According to CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNING® professionals, here’s how to clear away the cobwebs in your budget:

Sort expenditures: If you’ve ever sorted your clothes and other items into piles during a spring clean, this budgeting principle will be familiar to you: Review your expenses and categorize them into needs, wants and expenditures you’re ready to part with. Whether you do this on paper or electronically, use a color-coded system to visualize where your money is going.

Review your streaming services: Electronic subscription bloat is common, as is paying for forgotten subscriptions after free trials end. For example, you may be subscribed to several of the most common entertainment streaming services, such as Netflix, Max and Hulu. Do you really need all of them? Whether it’s an online newsletter or a music streaming service, cancel unused subscriptions.

Avoid bank fees: Review your bank statements. Are you getting dinged with fees? Consider switching to a bank that doesn’t charge an account maintenance fee. You can also set up notifications to avoid having your account get hit with an overdraft. If you do get charged, contact your bank to explain your situation — you may be able to have some fees waived.

Switch insurance carriers: Periodically review your insurance rates, and shop the market to see if better rates are available for home, automotive and other forms of insurance.

Reduce debt: If your debt is costing you a pretty penny, it’s time to act. A CFP® professional or credit counselor can help you craft a plan for consolidating debt into lower-rate credit card accounts, refinancing your mortgage and reducing your overall debt burden. You should also automate credit card payments (and other bills) to ensure you aren’t paying late fees.

Pay yourself first: Earmark a portion of your budget to savings and investments each month. This will leave you with more money for your important goals and less for frivolous spending.

This spring, go beyond dusting the baseboards and mopping the floors. Refresh your finances for a fresh start to the season. (StatePoint)

Photo courtesy of Stony Brook Athletics

Stony Brook men’s basketball closed out the regular season with a victory on senior night, March 1, defeating Elon, 71-66, on national television. Andre Snoddy eclipsed 1,000 career points in the win, which was sealed by Collin O’Connor’s block in the final seconds.

Stony Brook started the contest with five straight points, building a six-point lead early on after back-to-back Nick Woodard baskets. The Seawolves extended their first-half lead to double-digits, 24-14, on a CJ Luster II jumper at the 9:43 mark. Stony Brook’s lead grew to 11 points, the largest of the first half, on a Snoddy basket with 6:21 to play in the first half. Earlier in the half, Snoddy drove to the hoop and finished, eclipsing 1,000 career collegiate points.

The Seawolves took a 38-29 into the half and built onto it, pushing the advantage to 15 points less than three minutes into the second half. Stony Brook led by as many as 18 points, but Elon began slowly chipping away and clawing back into the contest.

The Phoenix rose late, turning a 14-point deficit into a one-possession game in the final minute of play after a 14-2 run that spanned more than five minutes. Elon had one final chance at a game-tying shot, but O’Connor came up clutch defensively, blocking Simpkins’ three-point attempt in the final seconds and hitting two free throws on the other end to ice the game.

“It was great to go out and earn a win on senior night in front of a great crowd. I thought Dre was awesome and I’m happy he got his 1,000th point with his family there watching,” head coach Geno Ford said postgame. “Ben had a great night too and it’s unfortunate that our other seniors couldn’t suit up, but I’m happy we were able to get the win for that group.”

Up next, the team enters the CAA Championship as the No. 13 seed and will face No. 12 Delaware on March 7 at 2 p.m. from CareFirst Arena in Washington, D.C., with the contest streaming live on FloCollege.

Stony Brook University: Entrance sign

High school students can have their first immersive college experience at Stony Brook University’s Pre-College Summer Program, the residential program for rising high school juniors and seniors.

The Pre-College Summer Program offers one- to two-week courses that provide attendees with the opportunity to have a college campus experience, take courses, participate in workshops, and access resources across campus, including bridging connections with Stony Brook faculty and industry experts.

Throughout the program, attendees will connect with like-minded program participants, while learning to transition to college life and explore areas they might want to pursue a degree in. Prospective attendees must apply to be accepted into the Pre-College Summer Program.

There are a number of discounts available. High school students who apply before March 7 will receive a discount of $100 on the program fee, while those who are currently enrolled in Accelerated College Education at Stony Brook University will receive a $150 discount, and those who qualify for free and reduced lunch will receive a $250 discount on the program fee.

Scholarship opportunities are also being offered for future Seawolves. Students who attend the Stony Brook Pre-College Summer Program this year and subsequently apply, get accepted and enroll at Stony Brook will be eligible for two possible scholarships: New York State residents will receive a $1,000 scholarship over four years ($250 per year) and out-of-state residents will receive a $2,000 scholarship over four years ($500 per year).

Courses include:

  • Aerial Robotics, where participants will learn how to build a robot of their own – a micro quadcopter drone – and program it to fly itself across an arena.
  • Introduction to Biotechnology, where participants will be introduced to some of the basic techniques used in the field of biotechnology.
  • Cancer Biology, where participants will conduct hands-on experiments to create extracts containing phytochemicals and learn what happens when these extracts are used to treat cancer cells.
  • Communicating Science, where participants will develop tools to effectively communicate in a way that excites, engages, and encourages audiences to want to learn more about science.
  • Computational Linguistics, which introduces participants to the wonders of natural languages and the analytical methods underlying natural language technologies, including AI, used worldwide.
  • Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Additive Manufacturing, where participants will learn the principles of CAD software for 3D modeling and assembly, the basics of additive manufacturing and its applications in engineering, and the design process, including requirements analysis and prototyping.
  • Creative Writing, where participants will read and discuss contemporary works of nonfiction, fiction, and poetry as well as practice writing around these genres through exercises.
  • Dental Sciences, where participants can obtain hands-on experience in an advanced preclinical laboratory as well as discover what it’s like to be a dental student.
  • Electrical Engineering, where participants will explore the fundamentals and practice of engineering.
  • Engineering Problem Solving with AI, where participants will discover how to find engineering solutions using generative AI.
  • Environmental Science in the Worm Lab, where participants will design and conduct experiments in ecotoxicology including using experimental design, data collection and data analysis.
  • Finding Your Passion in Health Professions, where participants will learn about advancing career options and discover what it takes to become a successful member of today’s interprofessional healthcare team.
  • Introduction to Engineering Design, where participants will experience the fundamentals of engineering through hands-on activities and projects. They will work with hand tools, learn the basics of 3D printing, and engage in practical problem-solving to design, build, and test their own creations.
  • Machine Learning and Self-Driving, where participants will be introduced to machine learning and self-driving through both lectures and hands-on interactive exercises with self-developed remote-control vehicles.
  • Micro Filmmaking, where  participants will learn visual storytelling by developing a micro screenplay and ultimately create a final micro film.
  • Pre-Law, where participants will learn civil law concepts, including intentional torts, negligence, product liability and contracts.
  • Robotics Engineering, where participants will be taught the fundamentals of robotics, including practical electronics, mechanical design, and microcontroller programming. They’ll develop problem-solving skills, advance critical thinking, and broaden creative and innovative reasoning.
  • Sustainability in Action, where participants will learn about local, regional, national, and international efforts at sustainability through brief lectures in the morning, guided research into examples of sustainability, and afternoon field trips to locations on and off campus to see sustainability in action.
  • TV Studio & Video Production, where participants will have hands-on experience in video production and explore camera operation, composition, video editing, and production techniques in a state-of-the-art broadcast studio and computer classroom.
  • Understanding Public Health, where participants will participate in this experiential program offered by Stony Brook University’s School of Health Professions, where they will learn about advancing career options and discovering what it takes to become a successful member of today’s interprofessional healthcare team.

“The Pre-College Summer program is designed to inspire and engage. Our renowned faculty and dedicated staff work exceptionally hard to create an environment for rising high school juniors and seniors characterized by active learning, discovery, and community,” said Peter Diplock, PhD, vice provost of Continuing, Professional, and Online Education, School of Professional Development. “Our overarching goal is to provide our participants with a realistic preview of university life in a fun and supportive environment.”

Participating students can take courses, led by Stony Brook faculty, all while living on the Stony Brook campus. Students also have the opportunity to participate in recreational activities held on campus. In addition, the program is supplemented by participation in college readiness workshops.

“Pre-College Summer is designed to give participants a preview of college life and give them the confidence necessary to successfully navigate the transition from high school to university. Because our courses are non credit bearing, there is no added pressure of tests and assignments to complete, only an immersive, hands-on learning experience for our participants,” said Tayyiba Qureshi, interim director of the Pre-College Summer Program. “This also allows our instructors the creative license to paint on a clean canvas in ways that make learning transformative, fun and inspiring. It’s an opportunity for them to preview a field of study and perhaps decide if they want to pursue it as an undergraduate – or they may walk away from the program thinking ‘this is not what I want to do for the rest of my life!’ That’s the beauty of this program, it’s the realistic introduction to college and all of its intricacies without the lasting commitment.”

Courses will be held across four sessions throughout the month of July

  • Session One: July 6-11
  • Session Two: July 13-18
  • Session Three: July 20-25
  • Session Four: July 27-August 1.

The program cost is $2,250 ($2,000 is the discounted rate for free or reduced lunch recipients). Applications close on May 30, 2025. The application process involves submitting the applicant’s high school transcript, a reference, a short essay, and a $45 application fee.

Learn more about the Pre-College Summer Program at stonybrook.edu/precollege-summer.

By Julianne Mosher 

Theatre Three’s latest children’s show has a lot of brains, heart and courage, but you certainly won’t want to go home. 

An original musical adapted from the stories of L. Frank Baum by Jeffrey Sanzel and Douglas J. Quattrock, Dorothy’s Adventures in Oz is a fun-filled tale of the timeless classic that will have families in the audience smiling from ear to ear. 

As the show opens, we meet Dorothy Gale (Cassidy Rose O’Brien), chief editor of her high school newspaper, the Baum Bugle. She brings her dog Toto (Tasha Poyfair) around, much to her teachers’ dismay, and unintentionally hurts her best friend, Judy Gumm’s (Sophia Del Carmen) feelings when she cuts her story from the latest edition. 

We meet her teachers, Mr. Green (Jason Furnari), the nasty Miss Ravine (Louisa Bikowski) and the sweet Miss Morgan (Julia Albino), along with her principal, Mr. Henry (Liam Marsigliano), who all warn Dorothy to get inside before a big storm comes by.

A tornado hits and when Dorothy awakes, her newspaper stand has fallen upon a witch wearing ruby red slippers. She’s greeted by Glinda (Albino), the Good Witch of the North, along with the people of Munchkinland (Del Carmen, Marsigliano and Furnari) who declare her a hero for killing the Wicked Witch of the East. Glinda tells Dorothy to take the ruby slippers because they hold magical powers and the evil Wicked Witch of the West (Bikowski) wants them for herself.

Dorothy just wants to go home and in order to do that she must see the great and powerful Wizard of Oz in Emerald City. All she has to do is follow the yellow brick road which leads her down a trailway of surprises and adventure. 

On the first stop she meets the loveable Scarecrow (Katy Snair) who wants to ask the Wizard for a brain. The duo head further down the road and run into the stiff, yet emotional, Tinman (Steven Uihlein) who is looking for a heart. After some trials and tribulations, thanks to the evil witch watching their every move from her lair, they meet the soft Lion (Sean Amato) who wants courage (and to stop being such a scaredy cat!).

Do the four new friends make it to the Emerald City and does the Wizard make all their wishes come true? That’s for you to find out. 

Directed by Sanzel with musical direction from Quattrock, Dorothy’s Adventures in Oz features wonderful original songs and fantastic choreography from Sari Feldman. While the set is small, the theater does a great job of letting your imagination run free, along with the help of a trap door on stage where someone may or may not melt into.

But what truly stands out, alongside the professionalism, talent and commitment to character from the amazing cast, are the costumes designed by Jason Allyn. From Dorothy’s signature blue and white gingham dress; the scarecrow, tinman and lion’s costumes; all the way to the gowns of the elite Emerald City citizens, the outfits are stunning. 

So, buy your tickets now or the Wicked Witch will get you, my pretty, and your little dog, too! And don’t forget to stop by the lobby on your way out for a group photo with the cast.

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents Dorothy’s Adventures in Oz through March 29 with a sensory friendly performance on March 2 at 11 a.m. Children’s theater continues with The Adventures of Peter Rabbit from April 16 to May 10; and Snow White and the The Seven Dwarfs from May 29 to June 21. All seats are $12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

Police car stock photo

Suffolk County Police Fourth Squad detectives are investigating a motor vehicle crash that killed a motorcyclist in Lake Ronkonkoma on March 1.

Dariusz Sokolowski was operating a 2015 Harley Davidson eastbound on Portion Road, approximately 80 feet west of Hawkins Avenue, when the motorcycle struck a 2024 Subaru Crosstrek that was pulling out of a parking lot and making a right turn onto Portion Road at approximately 8:10 p.m.

Sokolowski, 54, of Centereach, was transported to Stony Brook University Hospital where he was pronounced dead. The driver of the Subaru, Haley Entenmann, 29, of Lake Ronkonkoma, was transported to the same hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Both vehicles were impounded for safety checks.

Detectives are asking anyone with information on the crash to contact the Fourth Squad at 631-854- 8452.

Photos courtesy of Town of Smithtown

The Town of Smithtown reported in a press release that one of their park rangers was injured on March 1.

On Saturday at approximately 7:53 p.m., Smithtown Park Ranger Leyland Crocilla was on routine patrol when he observed a vehicle with substantial front-end damage traveling northbound on Landing Avenue. As the vehicle attempted to turn eastbound onto Edgewood Avenue, it struck a westbound vehicle and fled the scene.

Park Ranger Crocilla immediately initiated a vehicle and traffic stop. The suspect, later identified as Gregory Babigian of St. James, initially stopped but then reversed and rammed the Park Ranger’s marked vehicle before fleeing. The suspect repeated this act two more times before his vehicle became disabled.

The suspect was taken into custody and charged with alleged Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), Resisting Arrest, Assault, Criminal Mischief, Reckless Endangerment, and Leaving the Scene of an Accident. Both Park Ranger Crocilla and the suspect were transported to local hospitals and later released with non-life-threatening injuries.

Smithtown Supervisor Edward R. Wehrheim issued the following statement in support of Park Ranger Crocilla’s heroic actions: “First and foremost, I am incredibly grateful that Park Ranger Crocilla, and all others involved, are safe and on the road to recovery. His courageous decision to put himself in harm’s way to stop a dangerous drunk driver speaks volumes about his bravery, selflessness, and unwavering dedication to protecting our community. His swift and heroic actions undoubtedly saved lives last night. On behalf of a deeply appreciative community, we salute Park Ranger Crocilla for his outstanding service and commitment to keeping us safe. Wishing him a full and speedy recovery … I also want to commend the entire Department of Public Safety for their tireless efforts in maintaining order, deterring crime, and supporting our law enforcement agencies around the clock. Having a highly trained, well-equipped, and dedicated public safety team working alongside SCPD—whether on land or sea—is a tremendous asset to our town. Their commitment ensures the safety and well-being of our residents every single day.”

“I am grateful that our officer and no other motorists sustained serious injuries during last night’s incident. This situation could have had a far worse outcome, and I am relieved that everyone involved is on the road to recovery. This incident serves as yet another example of the outstanding work performed by the dedicated men and women of the Smithtown Department of Public Safety. Their commitment to protecting our community, responding to emergencies, and upholding public safety is truly commendable,” said Chief Thomas Lohmann, Department of Public Safety Director.

The Smithtown Park Ranger Division consists of trained, uniformed law enforcement personnel who patrol all town parks, beaches, and town-owned facilities. As New York State Peace Officers, Park Rangers are authorized to enforce state and local laws, including the NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law, Penal Law, and Environmental Conservation Law. They play a critical role in preserving town property, deterring crime, responding to emergencies, and working in close coordination with the Suffolk County Police Department, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, and other law enforcement agencies.

“This incident highlights the importance of the The Department of Public Safety and its five operating divisions: in ensuring public safety. The Town of Smithtown remains committed to supporting our law enforcement personnel and providing the resources necessary to maintain the highest level of public safety for all residents,” read the release.

 

Photo courtesy of Stony Brook Athletics
No. 14 Stony Brook women’s lacrosse took a five-goal lead into the fourth quarter, before Johns Hopkins erupted offensively for six goals through the final 15 minutes. The Seawolves fell short, 14-13, on March 1 at LaValle Stadium.

The Seawolves drop to 3-1 on the season as the Blue Jays won their third straight to improve to 4-2.

Stony Brook was led by Charlotte Wilmoth who netted four goals, as Isabella Caporuscio added a hat trick and both Riley McDonald and Courtney Maclay scored a pair. Casey Colbert tallied three points on one goal and two assists.

Defensively, Julia Fusco led the squad with three caused turnovers as Caporuscio and Allie Masera each tallied two. Caporuscio collected a game-high six ground balls while notching two draw controls, along with A. Fusco, Maclay, and Gianna Forte.

Johns Hopkins was led by Ava Angello who tallied six points on three goals and three assists. Ashley Mackin added four goals, while Lacey Downey notched three goals and one assist. Laurel Gonzalez had a game-high 13 draw controls for the Blue Jays.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Johns Hopkins’ Taylor Hoss scored the first goal of the game after a 5:57 scoreless stretch. Stony Brook scored twice with goals from A. Fusco and Wilmoth to take a 2-1 lead before a 3-2 lead courtesy of Caporuscio to finish the first quarter.

Three straight from the Seawolves (Maclay, McDonald, Colbert) started the second as the Blue Jays responded with four of their own amongst goals from Maclay and Wilmoth. Johns Hopkins would cut their deficit within two but still trail at halftime to Stony Brook, 8-6.

It would become a back-and-forth affair through the third quarter as the Seawolves and Blue Jays traded goals before a Stony Brook three goal run to take a 13-8 lead into the fourth quarter.

Five Johns Hopkins goals later, with only one minute remaining, Angello was able to net the game winner for the Blue Jays on a woman-up position. Stony Brook won the following draw, but a turnover ultimately gave Johns Hopkins the opportunity to run out the clock and take a victory back to Baltimore.

Up next, the team will hit the road once again to take on another Big Ten opponent in Rutgers on March 5 at 6 p.m. The Seawolves and Scarlet Knights will faceoff for the fifth straight season, with Stony Brook holding a 5-1 edge in all-time meetings.

Photo courtesy of Stony Brook Athletics
The Stony Brook baseball team surrendered six runs in the first four innings, falling to No. 5 North Carolina in the second of three games in their weekend series on March 1 at Chapel Hill.

Erik Paulsen got the Seawolves’ offense rolling early, knocking their first hit of the game in the top of the first. Chanz Doughty followed with a walk, putting two runners on with two outs, but UNC escaped the inning unscathed.After the Tar Heels struck first in the bottom of the frame, Nico Azpilcueta kept the pressure on with a single in the second. However, North Carolina shut the door, retiring the next three batters to maintain their 1-0 lead.

UNC tacked on another run in the second and added two more in the third off Stony Brook’s starter, left-hander Nicholas Rizzo.

The Seawolves responded in the fourth, cutting into the deficit. Making his first start of the season, Matthew Jackson sparked the rally with a leadoff double to left-center and later came around to score on a wild pitch, making it 4-1.

North Carolina answered right back in the bottom half, launching a two-run homer off reliever George Adams to extend their lead to 6-1.

Paulsen opened the fifth with a base hit, but Stony Brook couldn’t capitalize. Adams settled in on the mound, retiring the Tar Heels in order in the fifth and stranding a runner at second in the sixth to keep it a five-run game.

The Seawolves had limited chances down the stretch. Jackson ripped another double in the eighth, and Azpilcueta drew a walk, but UNC kept them off the board. Adams finished strong out of the bullpen, retiring six of the final seven batters he faced over the seventh and eighth innings.

Photo courtesy of Stony Brook Athletics

Stony Brook men’s lacrosse defeated Manhattan, 12-7, on March 1 in Riverdale to pick up its second straight win. Freshman Brendan Marino scored four goals and Justin Bonacci tallied a career-high seven points (three goals, four assists) in the road victory over the Jaspers.

Stony Brook started fast on the strength of its freshmen class. Caleb Yeung broke the ice and Marino added a pair to put the Seawolves ahead 3-0. Bonacci assisted on all three of Stony Brook’s goals to begin the afternoon.

After a pair of tallies from Manhattan in response, Richie DeChiaro and Marino found the back of the net to push the lead back to three goals.

After completing a first-half hat trick, Marino netted a fourth goal, but it would be Stony Brook’s lone tally of the second quarter.

The Jaspers scored twice to make it a one-goal game heading into the half and found the equalizing goal to open the scoring in the second half.

With the score level at 6-all, Stony Brook’s defense locked Manhattan down. MacLachlan and his defensive unit shut out the Jaspers in the third and Stony Brook scored thrice in the frame to go ahead 9-6.

Bonacci added two goals to start the fourth, completing his own hat trick and capping a stretch of five straight Seawolf scores.

Manhattan managed just one goal in the second half and Stony Brook pulled away to close out the 12-7 road victory in the Bronx.

“Proud of the guys on earning a tough, gritty win on the road. I thought we played great team lacrosse. I’m excited to keep seeing these guys work hard and improve,” head coach Anthony Gilardi said postgame.

Up next, the team returns to Long Island to host Binghamton on March 8. The Seawolves and their former conference counterparts do battle at noon from LaValle Stadium, with the contest streaming live on FloCollege.