Offense sparks Lady Bulldogs

Two days after Hewlett was sharp in an impressive nine-goal victory over Conference B-I girls’ lacrosse rival Long Beach, the Lady Bulldogs were a little sluggish and suffered a 19-14 loss to visiting Plainedge April 4.

“It’s a little frustrating because everything clicked two days ago,” Hewlett coach Pat Gormley said. “Today we came out flat, fell behind early and couldn’t catch up. We’re a little inexperienced in pressure situations, but we have a lot of talent and high hopes.”

Three sophomores had huge offensive games. Plainedge’s Rebbeca Luca scored a career-high seven goals and added two assists, while Sam DiSalvo (six goals) and Emily Cohen (four goals, two assists) led the way for the Lady Bulldogs, who slipped to 3-3 overall and 1-3 in conference play.

“When everyone is playing their role, we’re a dangerous team,” said Gormley, who has 18 years of coaching experience and guided Hewlett’s JV program in 2011. “This program has grown right in front of my eyes. Rosemary [D’Ambrosio] did a great job and last year was the first girls’ lacrosse playoff game in school history. This year we want to get a higher seed.”

The Lady Bulldogs feature an explosive offense that averaged 15.2 goals after six games. Their high-water mark of 21 came against a Long Beach team once coached by Gormley. “It was a special win for me,” he said. “The second half was easily the best we’ve played all year so far.”

Hewlett led the Lady Marines by two at intermission and outscored them 12-5 in the second half. DiSalvo scored eight goals, senior Jenni Rogoff had five goals and four assists, and Cohen added four goals and three assists. Goaltenders Katie Hochberg (10) and Meri Oshrain combined for 17 saves.

In the loss to Plainedge, DiSalvo reached the 30-goal plateau and appears well on her way to earning individual honors after picking up All-Conference accolades as a freshman. “She’s a great athlete with exceptional skills and field vision,” Gormley said.