Solid start for Oceanside

Posted

A young team took to the soccer pitch at Oceanside in 2016, and, despite having a signature win over perennial-power Massapequa, found itself in the win column on just two occasions. The Lady Sailors were in nearly every match, but finding the back of the net was a challenge all season long.

The tough season led to a drop from Conference AA-I for the first time in a decade. Oceanside is competing in Nassau AA-II with Herricks, Baldwin, Farmingdale, Valley Stream Central, and Plainview JFK.   

The 2017 campaign is off to a good start. The Lady Sailors have already exceeded last season’s win total, and after a 3-1 victory at Herricks on Sept. 13, the team has an overall record of 3-1 (2-1 in league.) Sophomore Luigina Serrao had a goal and an assist, and sophomore keeper Mary Cecil stopped 10 shots to lead the way.

Long-time head coach Mariana Winchester has a few goals in mind. “We want to make the playoffs and do well, and get ourselves back in Conference I,” Winchester said. “We want to get better each game. Injuries hurt us last year, and we just couldn’t finish. We were young, and we still have mostly underclassmen on the roster. This year, we’re more balanced, and have more goal scorers. As long as we stay healthy, we’re going to do well.”

With Cecil, who started as a freshman, and junior Alexandra Gigli both very capable in net, and a solid defensive unit in front of them, the Sailors should be tough to score on. Cecil is a good decision-maker, is quick on her line, and does a nice job at cutting down angles.

Captain Julia Burns, a three-year starter, and fellow senior Grace O’Rourke form a solid tandem at center back. Junior Michelle Gomez and sophomore Melissa Wilmer provide speed and ability on the outside. Senior Ashley Bentsen, and juniors Lauren Boschert and Kelly Madden will see plenty of time on the backline for Oceanside. 

Once again, the game will run through center midfielder Alexa Mihale. The senior captain, a four-year varsity performer, distributes well, and can find the back of the net. Sophomore Ashley Ladner complements Mihale well. Ladner has scored two goals thus far. 

On the outside, the Sailors have junior Jamie Mecca and senior Payton McMahon. Mecca scored a pair of goals in a 3-1 victory over Port Washington. Senior Brianna Stanco and junior Madison Kasten are the first two off the bench at midfield. Senior Tiana Seaman provides Oceanside with more depth.

While the Sailors have multiple threats, Serrao, who was injured for much of last season, figures to be the go-to girl. Serrao is off to a terrific start with five goals and three assists over the team’s first four matches. Senior Lauren Rullo has been just as impressive. Rullo has scored three goals and assisted on four others. Junior Valarie Levine spells Rullo at striker.

The Sailors travel to Farmingdale next Monday for a 4:30 p.m. start.