Lynbrook up for new challenge

After going undefeated during the regular season in 2014 and capturing the Nassau Conference AB-III title, Lynbrook moves up to tangle with a tougher set of foes in AB-II.

“It’s good for us,” Lady Owls coach Jen Dankenbrink said of the higher conference. “It should be an interesting year. The competition is harder, but we’ve got a lot of returning players.”

Though Lynbrook (12-1-1 overall) graduated All-State selection Patti Loonie, who led it with 17 goals and 10 assists, and other key contributors, it brings back a wealth of experience and talent all over the field, including fifth-year goalkeeper Michelle Catanno.

“We’re looking for Michelle and the defense to keep us in every game,” Dankenbrink said.

Catanno, one of the team’s three captains, earned All-Class honors last season and serves as a field general. “She’s grown tremendously every year,” Dankenbrink said. “She takes command in the back and directs the defense. She’s worked with a lot of different defenders over the years. She’s a very good communicator and anticipates well.”

Seniors Sydney Amato and Kacie Curran return at sweeper and stopper, respectively. Amato, a captain and four-year member of the varsity, moved to defense prior to last season and thrived in her new role. “Sydney is fast and smart,” Dankenbrink said. “She has great field sense. She played defense on her club team, so she made a smooth transition for us last year.”

Curran, one of many three-sport athletes on Dankenbrink’s roster, brings a fearless attitude and nonstop motor to the soccer pitch. “Kacie and Sydney have great chemistry,” the coach said. “They each know where the other one is going.”

At fullback, senior Hailey Greif returns on the left side, and junior Ali Quadrozzi takes over on the right side. Greif made the switch from midfield to defense last season and her speed proved an asset in the back. Quadrozzi, one of the JV’s top defenders, has an aggressive style similar to Curran, Dankenbrink said.

In the midfield, the Lady Owls feature a mix of returning starters and players with varsity experience stepping into bigger roles. Junior Erin Loonie and senior captain Tori Barra, in her fourth varsity campaign, return at center-midfield. “Erin’s already a highly respected team leader,” Dankenbrink said. “She knows the game extremely well and has a great foot. She’ll take our free kicks.” Barra, who’s quick with outstanding foot skills, can make things happen on both sides of the field.

After thriving in reserve roles a year ago, junior Rachel Valentino and Sophia LoCicero will serve as the starting outside middies. The coach said Valentino is the fastest player on the team and has the stamina to go with it, and LoCicero plays with a lot of energy and heart.

At forward, Lynbrook boasts a strong 1-2 punch with senior Alexa Amato and sophomore Gina Giovinco. They were no strangers to the scoresheet last season, and Dankenbrink is expecting much of the same. “They’re so talented,” she said.

Seniors Camryn Gressner, Stefanie Matza and Natalie Ospina provide depth for the Lady Owls, who face Valley Stream North, Kennedy, Cold Spring Harbor, North Shore and New Hyde Park twice apiece.