Carey features veterans and youth

After putting up six wins in 2016, a season that ended with an opening round Nassau Class B girls’ lacrosse playoff loss to a Garden City team that went on to win the state championship, Carey hopes a mix of talented underclassmen and athletic seniors will enable the team to be successful in 2017.   

Graduation was tough on the Lady Seahawks. Shannon Giddens, now playing at SUNY Oneonta, and Brett Robison, a freshman starter on the soccer pitch at Purchase, each tallied 36 goals for Carey, last spring. 

The Lady Seahawks are off to a good start in 2017 with wins in two of their first four games. Awaiting the Lady Seahawks on the Nassau Conference IV schedule are Elmont, Mepham, Herricks, Friends Academy, and Freeport. 

Nicole Kaye, in her second year as head coach at Carey, likes the effort she’s getting. “The girls are working hard and giving it everything they have,” Kaye said. “But we haven’t played a full two halves of lacrosse yet. We have a nice makeup of veterans and newcomers. As long as we stay healthy, and continue down the right path, we should have a successful season. I feel we have the ability to compete with any team in our league.”

Senior Angelica Miceli-Kaya, a four-year varsity goalie, returns in net for Carey. Miceli-Kaya, who registered 13 saves in a 17-11 season-opening victory at Island Trees, has improved in all aspects of her game. She’s averaging 10 saves per game. 

The defense is anchored by senior Elsa Wettstein, and juniors Meghan Santina, who doubles as a midfielder, and Kerri Conti. The sold group of defenders slide well and communicate with one another. Junior Briana Frandina adds depth on the backline and also serves as the backup goalie. Senior Aylin Ciftcikal rounds out the defense.

Freshman Kelly-Ann McGrath is the team’s go-to player on offense. McGrath, who scored 29 goals as an eighth-grader, has terrific skills, strong lacrosse IQ, and a knack for putting teammates in position to score. She scored seven times in the opener, and has scored 20 for the season. 

Junior Corinna Salerno is a quick, aggressive middie who plays a big part in draw control. Freshman Alex Busch has good stick skills, a knack for gaining possession, and gets the team transitioned into offense. Busch scored three goals against Island Trees. 

Seniors Emily Conti, Alex Cowen, and Stephanie Bonavita are experienced attackers who do all the little things it takes to be successful. Bonavita has scored six times over the first four games. Juniors Renee Palminteri and Heather Padesky, who had four goals in a 16-9 win over Mineola, along with sophomore Marilena Mangiaracina provide depth at attack.

After back-to-back losses to Hicksville and Plainview JFK, a game where Carey held an 8-5 lead at the half only to fall 11-9, the Lady Seahawks will look to get back in the win column when they host Elmont on Friday, April 21. Game time is scheduled for 4:30 p.m.