By STEVE SINISKI
The youth movement starts in goal, where eighth-grader Brittany Anghle takes over. In back-to-back 2-1 league defeats against Baldwin (Sept. 13) and Farmingdale (Sept. 15), Anghle combined for 31 saves. "She¹s confident in net and more vocal that you¹d think," Pedicini said.
Anghle¹s last line of defense comes from sophomores Lindsey Kowal and Cally Chakrian, along with Joanna Constantinou. Chakrian has also displayed some offensive prowess, scoring the Lady Jets lone goal in the loss to the Dalers. "We have some tough girls on the defense," Pedicini said. "They know how to play [the game] and defend."
Midfielder Taylor Jensen, East Meadow¹s lone junior, and sophomore Brittany Walsh have the offensive possessions. "They¹re good players learning how to play together," Pedicini said. "We¹ll look to them to set up the offense, and they¹ll be asked to do a whole lot of different things. The experience of the midfielders is essential. They¹re going to have a lot of responsibility."
The biggest responsibility could be in transition, where forwards Brittany Hess and Marissa Liebhaber will be waiting to go on the offensive. Hess, the team captain, scored a goal in the loss to Baldwin and stands to be the primary weapon for East Meadow. Liebhaber, meanwhile, has improved greatly since last season and could be on the verge of a breakout campaign. "She¹s the player that all the younger girls are looking to," Pedicini said of Hess, the only senior on the team. "She¹s matured into a leadership role."
The Lady Jets travel to South Side on Sept. 23 for their only game under the lights this season‹it¹s a 7 p.m. start‹then return home to face Massapequa on Sept. 28 at 4:15 p.m.
"The returning girls know what it takes to get [to the postseason]," Pedicini said. "They have a taste of what is required to succeed at that level and are hungry to get back. I expect as the season goes on and we teach a lot that the girls will learn a lot and improve. I¹m looking forward to getting better everyday."
Comments about this story? NBuglione@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 236.
