Numbers boost for Lady Rams

West Hempstead’s record through five games may not be anything to write home about at 1-4, but a boost in participation has allowed girls’ lacrosse coach Tracy Hutt to conduct full-field scrimmages in practice that can speed the learning process.

“We have more than 30 kids, and if the numbers stay like this maybe we can get a JV program started again,” said Hutt, who added most players got on the field in each of the first five games. “What they need most is game experience, so I’ve splitting them up and letting them play during practice,” she added. “I’m able to stop play and do some teaching, and it’s been good. I save some time at the end of practice to work on fundamentals.”

Hutt said she would like to see the Lady Rams improve their transition offense and success on ground balls before action resumes Monday against Hempstead. They’ve dropped two straight since Erin Guerrero’s overtime goal — her fourth of the game — beat Malverne/East Rockaway, 14-13, on March 26.

Guerrero and fellow senior Kelly Walsh are carrying the offense with a combined 33 goals. Guerrero, who has 16 goals, has some of the best stick skills on the team, Hutt said, and brings an aggressive component that can’t be taught. “She’s a quality athlete and has a competitive edge,” Hutt said. “Erin is the type of athlete who picks everyone else up when things aren’t going well.”

Walsh, who leads the way with 17 goals, has made a smooth transition from defense to attack. “We miss her on defense, but her skills are too good to not have her around the ball all the time,” Hutt explained. “She makes things happen and has stepped up as a leader.”

Like Guerrero, Walsh scored four times in the win over Malverne/East Rockaway. Walsh notched eight goals in a tough 13-12 defeat to Elmont on March 23 and found the net five times in a 19-9 setback to Valley Stream District on April 3.

Sophomores Taylor Freiermuth and Nina Boria lead West Hempstead’s young midfield. Freiermuth, only in her second year in the sport, scored twice in the lone victory and always brings a competitive fire to the field. “Taylor has so much passion and wants nothing but the best for the team,” Hutt noted. “She’s a strong and fast player, and she’s only going to get better.” Boria has speed to burn, the coach said, and is one of the keys to making the transition offense click.

The defense is also loaded with young players learning on the fly. Sophomore Angelique Jabouin, who got varsity experience a year ago, directs the back row and serves as the vocal leader in front of freshman goaltender Maya Jones. In Jones, who made 14 saves against Malverne/East Rockaway, Hutt believes the team has its stopper of the present and future. “Maya has the perfect demeanor to be a goalie,” she said.