Sewanhaka wins playoff OT thriller

The payoff for four minutes of overtime was huge for Sewanahaka last Friday night.

The 11th–seeded Lady Indians, down by as many as 12 points in the first half of their Nassau Class A first-round playoff game at No. 6 New Hyde Park, rallied to win a thriller in OT, 58-55, before a standing-room-only crowd of more than 500.

Monique Roberge (three) and Shantell McCall combined for five free throws in the extra quarter as Sewanhaka (10-8) won its first playoff game under fifth-year head coach Alex Soupios and advanced to face No. 3 South Side in the quarterfinals.

“It’s our first time in the dance since I’m coaching here and I’m so proud of the way the girls performed,” Soupios said. “It’s a big win for the program.” 

Roberge had 10 points and 15 rebounds and played a vital role in the defensive strategy against New Hyde Park’s strong frontcourt tandem of Maria Katsoulis (21 points) and Ciara McCullagh (17). Point guard Celine Jolicoeur scored eight of her game-high 23 points in the latter part of the second quarter to ignite Sewanhaka’s comeback. Megan Mullaney had all nine of her points—from behind the arc—in the third quarter.

“This is the best feeling I’ve ever had after a game,” said Roberge, a senior and four-year multi-sport athlete. “Coach had a great scouting report. We knew it was going to be tough but we never stopped working.”

Leading by one late in the first quarter, the Lady Gladiators (11-7) took advantage of Roberge and Sajeeda Chin’s trips to the bench with two fouls apiece and enjoyed a 14-3 run. Katsoulis and McCullagh began to dominate inside and combined for 10 points during the spurt, but Jolicoeur, who transferred to Sewanhaka from Hempstead last fall, helped the visitors stay within striking distance.

“Celine has great skills,” Roberge said. “It took a little while for things to mesh, but she became a big part of this team.”