Clarke running on all cylinders

With its three toughest opponents remaining on the schedule, Nassau Conference I field hockey co-frontrunner Clarke (11-0) still has work to do despite running on all cylinders.

The Lady Rams, who lost only one starter from last year’s playoff team, have four one-goal victories, including one in overtime and two in the final minutes of regulation, and seven lopsided wins to their credit. They’ve got a deep and talented offense, a balanced midfield, and a relentless defense.

“We’re strong in all areas,” coach Leslie Murray said. “We came in with high hopes and expected to be better than last year because of the experience and desire.

“The girls have great chemistry and are playing with a lot of confidence,” she added.

Clarke and Garden City, which had won 18 straight Nassau County Class B titles before falling in the title game to Manhasset last season, are both unbeaten heading into the homestretch. They were set to meet Wednesday, after Herald press time, to determine the driver’s seat to the conference title. The Lady Rams also host playoff-bound Manhasset (Friday at 4:30 p.m.) and North Shore (Oct. 22 at 4:30 p.m.) to conclude the regular season.

“The last three games are going to be interesting,” Murray said. “Regardless of the outcomes, it’ll be good preparation heading into the playoffs.”

Clarke’s attack, Murray said, is its best in years. Each of its four forwards has scored at least five goals, led by junior right wing Jessica Gibaldi’s 10. “She’s tough and fast,” Murray said of Gibaldi, who also has four assists. “Once she gets past a defender, it’s impossible to catch up to her.”

Senior Marina Abbatiello is another speedy forward with shooting touch. She has nine goals after scoring twice and assisting on Gibaldi’s goal in a 3-1 victory over Locust Valley on Oct. 8. One of only a few newcomers, freshman Bailey McNamara (six goals, seven assists) is a playmaker with tremendous stick skills, Murray said. “She’s an outstanding passer,” Murray said. The biggest of senior Caileigh Berry’s five goals came in OT to beat New Hyde Park on Sept. 23.

In the midfield, seniors Alexandra Stokum and Natalie Morano lead the way along with sophomore Brianna Ventola. Junior Alexis Zaino, who scored with 3:35 remaining to beat Cold Spring Harbor, 1-0, on Oct. 4, provides a spark. “Beating Cold Spring Harbor was nice,” Murray said. “We lost to them in the playoffs and at the end of the regular season last year.”

Defensively, Clarke boasts a four-year starting goalie in senior Amanda Gargiulo. She has six shutouts in 11 games. Her twin sister, Angelica, is a key to the defense and someone who typically ignites the transition game. Senior Danielle Ragusa and junior Kalianne Terry are steady defenders who frustrate opponents. 

“I think we’re capable of making the finals,” Murray said.