Calhoun part of title conversation

With consecutive appearances in the Nassau Class AA girls’ soccer championship game, Calhoun has evolved from a perennial playoff team to legitimate title contender under coach Lori Biscardi.

The Lady Colts, who finished county runners-up to Massapequa last season and to MacArthur in 2011, return plenty of experience and have most pieces in place for another run to the top. They opened the Conference AA-I campaign Sept. 11 with a tough assignment at Farmingdale and won, 3-2.

“We have 13 seniors and seven juniors,” Biscardi said. “Hopefully the experience will take us as far as we’ve gone the past two years. But we can’t count on anything in our conference. With the level of teams we’re up against, games can go either way.”

Conference AA-I is less one team compared to last season with Bellmore-JFK moving to Class A. The Lady Colts, who defeated Kennedy and Farmingdale in last year’s playoffs, face defending county champion Massapequa, Farmingdale, Mepham, Oceanside, MacArthur and East Meadow twice apiece.

With the exception of goalkeeper, Calhoun has proven varsity experience everywhere on the field. Senior Ally Marcello, last year’s backup to standout Alissa Battaglia in goal, has big shoes to fill but is ready to take over the job. Marcello has two years of JV action under her belt. “Ally’s athletic, knows the position well and trains hard,” Biscardi said.

The defense in front of Marcello is anchored by senior Nora Charidah, a four-year varsity player with strong all-around skills. She’s quick and aggressive to the ball, Biscardi said, a vocal leader, and someone capable of finding the net off set plays. “She’s a great defender and also a playmaker,” Biscardi said. 

Juniors Allison Voldis and Rebecca Woods are returning starters in the back row coming off impressive seasons and junior Alyssa Barbarino also has starting experience. With sophomore Jackie Shand in the mix to provide depth, Biscardi is considering moving junior Danielle Losquardo, another defensive starter last fall, to midfield or forward. “Danielle’s our most versatile player,” Biscardi said. “She’s going to start, I’m just not sure where. She can be an offensive threat.” 

Serving as the Lady Colts’ catalyst out of the midfield is senior Kayla Cappuzzo, who earned third team All-State, All-Long Island and All-County honors in 2012. Headed to Northeastern, Cappuzzo, who scored twice in the opener against Farmingdale, led Calhoun in assists a year ago with six. “She’s an ideal kid to coach,” Biscardi said. “She has tremendous skills and speed.”

Senior Taylor Sipos is no stranger to putting the ball in the cage, and she’ll be counted on to do so again after scoring six times last season. Bound for Johns Hopkins, Biscardi said Sipos is likely to move to forward on a full-time basis. Sophomore Taylor Iacono could see time up front or in the midfield. Senior Jessica Foley (four goals) returns at center-midfield and brings a nonstop motor, and she’s joined there by freshman Lauren Marinello. Senior Cecilia Miguel is another midfielder with varsity experience.

The Lady Colts host Massapequa in a title game rematch on Sept. 27 at 4:30 p.m.