Scully Scores Two Goals in College Debut
There are always a few doubters when a high school sports star graduates and moves to NCAA Division I, a place where even the best can find themselves in a whole new world, filled with exceptional athletes. It didn’t take long for Casey Scully to erase any questions surrounding her transition to collegiate play as the 2008 Huntington High School graduate scored two goals last Saturday in her very first game for the Iona College women’s lacrosse team.
The 19-year old Scully, who plays midfield and wears number 10, chose lacrosse over basketball and soccer and picked Iona in part because of its location to New York City and its rapidly improving program. But, as far as the Gaels have come, including reaching the semi-finals of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Championships last spring, they have a long way to go.
The first of Scully’s two goals came when Iona found itself trailing host Hofstra, 16-1. Still, it was quite an accomplishment for the former Blue Devil star to find the back of the net twice in her very first game. Fellow Huntington alum Jill Beck, a 2005 graduate of the school, also scored in the game for the Gaels.
“It was pretty exciting to get my first college score,” said Scully, who was critical of her overall performance. “I don't think I played that well. I could have done better. I was pretty nervous.”
Scully, who earned All-County recognition in lacrosse last spring, has always focused on the team aspect over any individual success or honors for herself. It’s that singular focus on what’s best for the group that has helped make her so popular with teammates and coaches who appreciate her all-out style of practice and play.
A “humble, quiet kid” is a phrase that might best describe Scully, who was a valued fixture around Huntington High School and who played club lacrosse with the Long Island Express. She’s hasn’t committed to an academic major yet, but is interested in possibly teaching and coaching.
Beck, a 5’7 attack who wears number 4, has played with the Iona program in three of its four years of existence. Last spring she appeared in 18 games and started 14, scoring 19 goals, contributing five assists and picking up a dozen ground balls. As a sophomore she started all 15 games for the Gaels, scoring 16 goals, including three from the free position and tallying a dozen assists. She scooped up 14 ground balls, recorded seven draw controls and caused a pair of turnovers. As a freshman she started eight of 16 games, putting six balls in the goal, including one free position goal and picking up four assists. She added 21 ground balls. Beck’s first collegiate goal came on Feb. 28, 2006 against Davidson College.
While at Huntington Beck played field hockey, basketball and lacrosse and captained all three teams as a senior. She also refined her lax skills as a player with the East End Lacrosse Club.
In college, Beck has consistently qualified for the Iona Dean’s List and was named to the MAAC All-Academic team and the International Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association
Iona hosts Villanova on Saturday (Feb. 28) at 2 p.m.
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