Field Hockey working hard

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:44:48 GMT

By Kate Byrne

Joy Pawirosetiko

The varsity field hockey team has a lot of new talent this season. Although they graduated ten key seniors from last year’s team, what they lack in experience they make up for with raw talent and skill. The team is under the leadership of captains Brianna Lamarca (’10) and Alexandra Donovan (’10). The girls worked really hard this summer at building speed and agility participating in summer league and camps. Tryouts were hot and intense with two practices a day. Due to budget restraints, the team was at a disadvantage because they weren’t able to afford the transportation to any away scrimmages and were only able to schedule one scrimmage before the season started which was cancelled due to inclement weather. The girls went into the season at a slight disadvantage because they weren’t afforded the chance to play as a team before their first non-league game. The girls started off the season with a non-league game against Rocky Point. The game was difficult, as the girls were trying to find their stride and fit together as a team. The result was disappointment as the girls lost 3-1, but they gained valuable experience. Amanda Ramirez (’11), scored the only goal for Lindenhurst after the Rocky Point goalie made an error, and the team was awarded a penalty shot. The team chemistry was worked out, and this game was used as a learning process because it doesn’t affect the team’s league record. After losing to Rocky Point, the Bulldogs were all fired up and were itching for a victory against Connetquot. The girls came out hard and worked all game long. Brianna Lamarca had her first season goal to win game, 1-0. The defense really solidified this game. Randi Zorn (’13) and Alex Donovan kept the game running smoothly. First year varsity goalie Olivia Dipalma (’12) played an awesome game, making several outstanding saves. The girls really started to come together when they played East Islip on September 21 st . East Islip scored in the first half, and the Lady Bulldogs came out of halftime with a score to settle. Amanda Ramirez had a powerful hit into the cage only four minutes into the second half. Unfortunately, East Islip scored with seven minutes left in the game and the girls just weren’t able to make it up. Brianna Lamarca had several powerful drives that successfully penetrated the powerful defense; however they were scored from too far away from the goal and weren’t counted. Claudia Colabella (’11) played the game of her life, really breaking out in her midfield transitions. She distributed the ball beautifully to the offensive line and really established her position of dominance. Lindenhurst played North Babylon next. The girls came out on the field with one intention-to win. The offense had an incredible 19 shots on goal. They took control of the game easily, and the defense worked flawlessly as they destroyed threats. Goalie Demi Nichols (’10) had four key saves to further the Lady Bulldogs’ advancement. Brenna Commens (’10) had her first goal of the season off of an accurate pass from Claudia Colabella to end the game 1-0 in Lindy’s favor. Sayville certainly posed a challenge for Lindenhurst, seeing as they are ranked first in the county. Everything fell into place for our Lady Bulldogs. They played their hearts out, better than they’ve played this season, possibly in years. The defense, midfield, and offense worked together as one inspired unit. Lindy was down 1-0 going into the half. They came back onto the field with a score to settle, but as hard as the offense worked, they couldn’t get a goal. The girls played really hard and with a ferocity to be admired, but at the end of the game, Sayville caught some momentum and scored 3 goals. In the end, it was obvious that they went into the game as players, and left as a team.

The Charles Street Times

Field Hockey working hard