Newcomers bolster Lady Cyclones

Despite the loss of four Division I college players from last year’s team that advanced to the Nassau Class B girls’ lacrosse semifinals, South Side coach Meghan Healey believes the tone has been set for another deep playoff run.

“A lot of young players have stepped up,” said Healey, who is working with a roster that features as many varsity newcomers as returnees. “We’re still able to compete,” she added. “The chemistry between the experienced players and the younger ones is excellent.”

The Lady Cyclones had four players net at least three goals April 4 in a 16-11 Conference B-I victory at Lynbrook. Junior Liz Hoeffner led the offense with five goals and three assists, while junior Micheala Lynch added three goals and three assists. Sophomore Maggie Cifarelli scored four times, and senior Grace Healey had a hat trick.

“It’s good to take a win into the break,” Healey said. “Now we have three non-league games to help us get ready for Garden City [on the 19th].”

Cifarelli’s outburst was just another example of a varsity rookie rising to the occasion for South Side (3-2 overall), which visits defending county champion Garden City for a 4:30 p.m. face-off. Fellow sophomores Hannah Serling, who had a six-goal game in a tough 18-17 loss to North Shore March 27, and Briar Rose DeTomasso, who scored three times in an 18-10 defeat to Wantagh the following day, are also contributing to the offense. The same goes for freshman Tessa Considine, who played at the middle school level a year ago, and sophomores Katie and Allie Ford are starting on defense.

“We’re getting more from the younger players than I anticipated this early in the season,” Healey said. “It’s a nice surprise. Most are starting and playing a ton of minutes.”