Blue Devil Girls’ Lax Finishes Strong
After a very challenging start to the season, which resulted in six straight losses, the Huntington varsity girls’ lacrosse team turned around its fortunes, winning seven of its final eight regular season games and earning a playoff berth under first year head coach Nancy Wilson.
The Blue Devils had to adjust to a new system and philosophy. Wilson was the third head coach in three years. She stressed team play above any individual heroics. Players accepted the challenge and displayed commitment to personal growth and to the unit as a whole.
Huntington received leadership from Matte Scully, Sarah Paar, Faith Maybeck, Allie Thompson, Danielle Catanese and Alex Kimchy. The series of late season victories were dominating and featured clever team play.
Scully led the Blue Devil attack with powerful shooting, strong communication and skillful feeding of the ball to teammates. “Her presence on the field was a difference maker in our games,” Wilson said.
In addition to Scully, the offensive unit benefited from the nifty play of Thompson, Brown, Hayes-Hurley and Catanese. “These ladies worked extremely well together to find one another and the back of the net,” Wilson said. “Their drive, energy and determined play are very much respected.”
Forster a Key
Julie Forster was a key player on draw control and transition play. “Her finesse and agility supported ball possession resulting in strong scoring opportunities,” Wilson said. Forster, along with Kimchy and teammates Angela Bosco, Emilie Pugliese and Sarah Ehrman, supported midfield ball control through speed and aggressiveness and added exceptional defensive support. “They were each critical in the team’s turnaround success,” the coach said.
Low defense was led by Maybeck and Sarah Paar. Maybeck showed a great sense of control, strong core foundation skills and an energy that could not be missed. Paar was outstanding in maintaining the zone control and communicating with her teammates. “She never wavered from her focus and forced many turnovers” giving the Blue Devils possession, Wilson said.
Colleen Wright, Shealyn Scully and Holly Helstrom added to a strong defense, holding opponents at bay and providing numerous outlet opportunities. “They brought heart and steadfast determination to the game,” Wilson said.
Goaltending duties were shared by Karly Kocis and Samantha Mohr. Kocis was a key factor in the team’s turnaround and had multiple games with 10 or more saves. Mohr stepped in whenever needed and “always had a positive outlook and strong desire to succeed,” Wilson said.
Depth Helped Meet Challenges
Having depth on the team enabled Huntington to perform and meet the challenges presented by a daunting schedule. Wilson said the efforts of Sarah Casey, Christina Boshko, Lauren Gerbavsits, Liz Mohr and Alyssa Salese “could not be overlooked nor taken for granted.”
In the Suffolk Division II playoffs, Huntington battled talented No. 2 Rocky Point. The Blue Devils scored first before the Eagles responded in like fashion. At halftime, the teams were knotted at four goals apiece. “The score throughout the game remained tied or either team one up or one down,” Wilson said. “This was the case up until under three minutes remaining in the game.”
Rocky Point avoided an upset, topping the Blue Devils, 12-8. But, Huntington walked off the field with its head high after earning the respect of the Eagles and even the game officials, who noted the fine play and improved performance from earlier in the spring.
Coach Reflects
“When I reflect back on the season, I recognize what positive, talented and quality individuals the Huntington women’s lacrosse athletes are,” Wilson said. “They accepted challenges, kept the drive to find success and looked for opportunities to grow as individuals and as a unit. They all learned to play defense and offense. They each learned to pass to one and other - to see the opportunities where they could make a teammate successful. This was evident where each player on the team scored one or more goals this season (including the goalies). They were not selfish. They did not give up when that might have been easier. They showed the fortitude and gumption to be the very best they could be.”
The 2009 roster featured a mix of young players and seasoned veterans, many of whom will be headed off to college in the fall. “It was a privilege and an honor to coach such a wonderful group of human beings,” Wilson said. “I am sad to see the seniors go, as they will be greatly missed. On the bright side, I see the wonderful potential and tremendous gift in all those who will be returning. There is no doubt that they will represent this program with dignity and pride in the future.”
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