Gaffney’s Historic Night Powers Middletown South Through Emotional Game at Red Bank
RED BANK — With the Shore Conference Tournament heating up and postseason stakes rising, Middletown South came away with the kind of win that could change the trajectory of its season.
On Wednesday night, the Eagles earned one of their most significant wins of the spring, defeating Red Bank, 12–8, on the Bucs’ home field in a physically dominant and emotionally charged second-round matchup.
Red Bank entered the contest under extraordinarily difficult circumstances, competing just a day after the tragic loss of a fellow student. The Bucs played with visible resilience and heart, but Middletown South’s execution, poise, and control between the lines proved decisive.
“That team’s been through a lot in the last 48 hours, and I give them so much credit,” head coach Connor Keating said. “We knew it would be emotional, and I was interested to see how my guys would respond. They answered.”
From the opening quarter, Middletown South established itself physically.
Freshman attacker Forrest Black, senior attacker Luke Gaffney, and junior midfielder Ryan Colacichi each scored as the Eagles secured an early 3–2 lead, fueled by strong faceoff play and midfield control.
Middletown South’s Ryan Colacichi (Photo: Tom Smith | tspsportsimages.com)
The game shifted dramatically in the second quarter.
Middletown South exploded for five goals, with Gaffney scoring twice to complete his hat trick, senior midfielder Jackson O’Keefe netting two goals, and Colacichi adding another. That offensive surge gave the Eagles an 8–3 halftime lead and firmly established control.
For Gaffney, the night was historic.
The senior attacker recorded his 100th career goal while finishing with four goals and two assists.
“It means so much to get this 100th goal and go out there with my guys and win this game,” Gaffney said. “We’ve never won this game in this situation, so it means everything.”
Middletown South’s Luke Gaffney (Photo: Tom Smith | tspsportsimages.com)
The Eagles continued their dominance in the third quarter, extending their lead to 11–4 behind additional goals from Gaffney, O’Keefe, and Black.
Throughout the night, Middletown South excelled in the game’s most physically demanding areas.
“Our polls, D middies, FOGO, and LSM were enormous,” Keating said. “John McCormick, Leo Jacinto, and Ben Acquaviva were huge for us. It was gritty lacrosse.”
Keating also emphasized his team’s mental strength, referencing “Sisu,” the Finnish concept of perseverance through adversity.
“When things feel impossibly difficult, you push through,” Keating said. “I’m most proud of how they persevered mentally.”
Red Bank mounted an admirable fourth-quarter rally, outscoring Middletown South 4–1, but the deficit proved too substantial.
Black’s third goal of the night helped secure the victory and send the Eagles into the tournament’s quarterfinal round.
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Now, Middletown South (10-6) turns its attention to powerhouse Rumson-Fair Haven, where another opportunity for an even bigger signature win awaits on Saturday.
“We’re gonna come out fired up,” Gaffney said. “It’s gonna take 110% effort and all our grit.”
As tournament stakes rise, Middletown South is no longer simply hanging around the Shore Conference rankings.
The Eagles are making noise.
And after Wednesday night’s defining performance, they appear ready for an even bigger stage.
Despite the result, Red Bank (9-8) supported one another and competed through emotions far bigger than lacrosse. As the Bucs begin to prepare for the state playoffs, Thursday night served as a reminder that compassion, love, and support are far more important than any game.
