Lawrence in the thick of things

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Wins haven’t been aplenty for the Lawrence girls’ soccer team over the past few seasons, but in 2012, the Lady Golden Tornadoes have a team capable of competing with any rival in Conference A-IV. The league comprises Mineola, Malverne/East Rockaway, Great Neck North, Sewanhaka, Westbury, and Roosevelt.

In last Saturday’s contest with Malverne/East Rockaway, the Lady Golden Tornadoes appeared set to leave the pitch with a hard-fought tie, but a late goal by Malverne/East Rockaway’s Karina Alvarado sent the Rockin’ Mules home with a 2-1 win. Junior Joseline Jimenez scored her third goal of the season for Lawrence’s only tally.

Head coach Pete Hurley, in his fourth season, was disappointed with the loss, but likes the effort he’s getting. “This was one that we definitely let get away against a good opponent,” Hurley said. “Coming away with a tie would have been very respectable. We played very well for 78 minutes. Things are starting to come together.”

The player of goalkeeper Nicole Robinson has been a big plus. The senior captain, who had 12 saves in the loss to Malverne/East Rockaway, has kept the team in nearly every game. Robinson had a season-high 21 saves in a loss to undefeated Mineola.

Hurley is high on Robinson. “Nicole is a not only an excellent player, she’s a terrific leader,” Hurley said. “She communicates with teammates to let them know what they’re doing well, and gets on them if they’re not pushing themselves. She does it in a way that is positive, so she has the respect of her teammates.”

Jimenez is likely the most talented player on the team. The junior striker has excellent skills and terrific soccer IQ. Midfielder Stephanie Kendal, a four-year varsity player, is off to a good start. The hard-working senior is an aggressive player who never wants to come out of games.

Despite being hampered by injuries, junior striker Georgina Hudja, a player who has a knack for scoring, has been one of Lawrence’s top performers. Hudja had a pair of goals in a 6-1 win over Westbury last week. Senior Michelle Canales is an intelligent player who leads by example.

Freshman Rebecca Diluzio is a big part of the present and future of Lawrence soccer. Diluzio found the back of the net twice in the win over Westbury. Junior Sasha Unger is one of the better distributors on the team. Unger had three assists in the matchup with Westbury.

Nothing gets past Amaiya Wilkes. The sophomore sweeper sees the field well, and has a great feel for the game. Senior Katherine Olmedo joins Wilkes on the back line. Olmedo played midfield in the past, but her hard work and hustle was needed on defense.

Hurley likes the way his team is playing. “The girls have really bought into the system, and we’re all on the same page,” he said. “We’re staying in games, and our confidence is building.” 

The Lady Golden Tornadoes host Westbury on Oct. 10 at 4:30 p.m.