Calhoun playing at a high level

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What a difference a year has made for Calhoun’s girls’ lacrosse program. Spearheaded by a balanced scoring attack and a strong, hard-working defense, the youthful Lady Colts are undefeated through 11 games, including 8-0 in Conference III, after winning just twice in 2015.

“We’re really working well together,” said Danielle Keener, a four-year varsity player and one of only five seniors on the roster. “Our transition game is a lot better and our defense has been amazing. Starting off so well brought us all together and gave us confidence.” 

Capturing the conference championship, she said, is Calhoun’s No. 1 goal and the team took a major step April 8 when junior Megan Keener, Danielle’s younger sister, and sophomore Megan Shiaffo, scored three goals apiece to lead an 11-9 victory over MacArthur in a battle of then-undefeated teams.

“That was the most intense game we’ve played in about three years,” Lady Colts coach James Raucci said. “The girls knew the magnitude of the game and what was on the line. We led at halftime 6-2, and after they came roaring back and got within one in the second half we came up with a few big goals.

“We talk a lot about mental toughness,” he added. “The mental part of the game is what separates teams that are otherwise even. We can’t afford to have any lapses.”

Junior Olivia Levy added one goal and three assists, junior Devon Bayer had a goal and two assists, and junior goaltender Gianna Kapoosuzian made 12 saves.

Losing to MacArthur last spring in the opening round of the Nassau Class B playoffs, 10-7, Danielle Keener said, provided added motivation. “We knew MacArthur was our big competition,” she noted. “Having that win put us over the edge and showed we’re a lot better this year.”

After a 15-9 non-league win over Hicksville on April 26, the Lady Colts were averaging 14.2 goals through 11 games while allowing an average of 4.3. Starting attackers Megan Keener and senior Angelina Theodores combined for nine goals against Hicksville and are fast approaching the 30-goal mark for the season. Schiaffo and Bayer are already there.

“We have a deep and talented group,” Raucci said. “Angelina is one of our senior leaders. Megan Keener is extremely aggressive and finishes pretty well, Megan Schiaffo is quick and smart, and Devon is tough to stop going to the cage.”

Defensively, senior Paige Lewis, junior Lauren Marinello, and sophomore Taylor Curcio and Manora Campbell have formed a stingy foursome in front of Kapoosuzian. “Our defense has been great,” Raucci said. “They just keep working no matter what the situation. We’ve had a bunch of games where we held teams to four or five goals.”   

The coach added Kapoosuzian has benefitted from last year’s experience. “She’s an athletic goalie and she’s been phenomenal,” Raucci said.

The regular season concludes May 11 with a home game against neighboring Mepham. “We want to keep the winning streak going and see how we can do in the playoffs,” Danielle Keener said.