Sports

Smithtown West Lax Star Debuts with New York Lizards

Rob Pannell played in his Major League Lacrosse debut on May 31.

A Smithtown High school west graduate and lacrosse star Rob Pannell kicked off his professional career with the New York Lizards.

Pannell had his Major League Lacrosse debut playing for the Lizards Friday night at Hofstra University against the Charlotte Hounds, reports Newsday. 

"I never would have thought that I'd be here playing my first MLL game," Pannell told Newsday. "I was thrilled being drafted No. 1, playing in New York, my hometown. It's really special."

He contributed by scoring a hat trick and making one assist, despite the Lizards losing to Charlotte 14-12 on Friday. 

Pannell won the prestigious 2013 Tewaaraton Trophy, the premiere award in collegiate lacrosse. He is the all-time NCAA Division I points leader by scoring 354 goals. He has scored at least 1 point in all 72 games of his Cornell career and ranks third in the nation with 5.67 points per game. Pannell scored 102 goals in the 2013 season for Cornell. 

Read more on Newsday [subscription required] about Pannel's debut.


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