Finley Girls' Lax-Blue a Winner
This year's J. Taylor Finley Middle School girls' lacrosse-blue team gave its opponents all they could handle en route to a 6-3-1 record.
The 25-player squad was captained by Meghan Plant, Gabrielle LaMarco, Sarah Fernandez and Hailey Bengston. Head coach Marissa Bergmann and assistant coach Kate Hirsch pushed their players every step of the way and the results were impressive.
"The team was a lot of fun to coach," Bergmann said. "They were extremely hardworking, dedicated and motivated young ladies. They came to practice every day with a positive and bright attitude, ready to work on their skills. Because of their tremendous work ethic, they improved greatly and I cannot wait to see what they accomplish in the near future."
Bergmann said that LaMarco was the "super glue" that held the team together. "She hustled for every ground ball and had the most interceptions this season," the coach said about the talented eighth grader. "She set and displayed an aggressive and hardworking tone."
Finley featured a roster deep in talent, including Plant, an eighth grader who shined as a low attack player. "She really worked on her shot during the off-season and had great shot selection and placement," Bergmann said.
Bengston was another dominating eighth grader, emerging as the Falcons' top midfielder. "She was fearless," Bergmann said. "Her transitional play was unselfish. She worked with all of her teammates to improve as a whole."
Fernandez, still another exceptional eighth grader, displayed dazzling stick skills. "She caught any ball that came her way and made outstanding passes from behind the goal," Bergmann said
The team's top eighth graders also included Kelly Palladino, Emma DeGennaro and Erica Lopez. DeGennaro led Finley-Blue in draw controls and goals. Sarah Grassi (averaged ten saves per game) and Ryan McKean (seven saves per game) were top notch goalies for the Falcons. Fernandez was the squad's second leading scorer with Plant and Palladino tied for third. Bengston and LaMarco were tops in ground balls. Lopez and Fernandez compiled the most assists.
The highlight of the season was an 18-16 victory over Northport. "As a unit, we came together and played as a whole," Bergmann said. During the game the girls were unselfish and moved the ball very well. Their transitional defense was outstanding. They came out hungry for the win and never let go of the lead. I was so proud of them."
Next year's team looks promising, too. "We have 15 returning seventh graders who worked hard throughout the season," Bergmann said. "They improved tremendously from start to finish. We also have a strong and experienced sixth grade group coming in. I am excited about the spring season and see nothing but positive accomplishments to come."