Lawrence lineup comes together

When the Lawrence girls’ soccer team had its projected starting goalkeeper transfer to a different school just before the beginning of the season, the Lady Golden Tornadoes were left in a difficult position. Coach Pete Hurley had nobody with experience playing in net on his roster, and was scrambling to find someone to fill the role.

Hurley recalls asking his team, “Does anybody want to play goalie?” After not getting much of a response he went on to ask if anyone on team had experience playing basketball. Olivia Levi raised her hand and was soon after given the job of goalkeeper.

So far this season Levi has not looked at all out of place in net, and even helped Lawrence secure a 4-1 victory in its Conference AB-6 opener against Roosevelt. She also went on to make 15 saves in the team’s second game of the season.

“She’s doing really well for someone who has never played this position before,” Hurley said. 

Levi has not been the only player for Lawrence thriving at a new position this year. Gabby Sarro, who previously played on offense, was asked to move to defense and has made the transition seamlessly according to her coach. Sarro still managed to find the score sheet in the win over Roosevelt.

“She’s been an amazing defender,” Hurley said. “She plays the whole game, and has been really tough.”

Junior Sabrina Perry has also proved to be one of Lawrence’s most reliable players on defense.

“She never sits down, and never gets tired,” Hurley said. “Nothing gets past her.”

One of the top offensive players for the club this year has been forward Kayla Notarnicola. She delivered a three-goal performance in Lawrence’s season-opening win.

“She’s only a tenth grader, and she’s really offensively skilled,” Hurley said. “She’s amazing with how good she is with the ball.”

Players like Notarnicola, Melany Rodriguez, and Michelle Ramirez will need to continue to provide offense for Lawrence while the team is without one of its most skilled offensive players in Briana Walsh. There is no set return date for the injured Walsh, but Hurley hopes to see her back on the field this season. 

Despite missing Walsh and a number of other key contributors who have gone down with early season injuries, nobody on the team appears to be feeling sorry for themselves. “Nobody complains,” Hurley said. “We got a great group of girls. They’re all good teammates, and they play together.”

Lawrence’s conference record slipped to 1-3 with a loss at Malverne/East Rockaway last Monday. The second half of the season begins Oct. 8 when the Lady Golden Tornadoes visit Sewanhaka for a 4:30 p.m. start.