By STEVE SINISKI
"It should inspire a lot of confidence," coach Matt Pedicini said. "The girls see it as a challenge. They¹re a talented bunch, they just need some consistency."
Though Massapequa (2-0 on Sept. 28) and South Side (2-0 on Sept. 23) ultimately came out on top in their first games with the Lady Jets, neither match was decided until late in the second half. Both opponents had a mere one-goal lead thanks to the play of eighth-grade goaltender Brittany Anghle. She turned away a combined 20 shots in the two games and continues to make a name for herself despite being one of the youngest players in Nassau County¹s top conference.
"She¹s very mature," Pedicini said. "She¹s been more of a surprise than anticipated. She¹s very sure of herself and that¹s something you don¹t often see in a 12- or 13-year-old. She¹s never looked uncomfortable but is settling into the position and becoming more vocal."
Anghle earned her second league victory and shutout of the year on Sept. 30 against Baldwin, stopping four shots in the 2-0 decision. Marissa Liebhaber and Sara Nicolia netted first half goals to propel the offensive attack.
Moving forward, the Lady Jets know exactly the type of adjustments that need to be made on the scoring unit. Now it¹s a matter of implementing them during the game. "Everybody has to run more off the ball," Pedicini said. "We have to give the ball handler more support and get dangerous."
Brittany Walsh is likely to be the centerpiece to any offensive surge, because she generally runs the show at center midfield. "She¹s done a nice job of putting her stamp on the game," Pedicini said. "As the center midfielder she¹s looking to do things but she doesn¹t always have people to do things with. That¹s where running without the ball [comes into play]."
Four league games remain for East Meadow before the start of the Nassau County Class A postseason tournament. Based on their participation in Conference I, they are assured of a berth at the end of the month. East Meadow hosts Island Trees on Oct. 14 at 4:30 p.m., looking to sweep the season series.
In an earlier meeting, the Lady Jets made Brittany Hess¹ first half goal on a free kick stand up in a 1-0 victory. Anghle stopped all six shots she faced in the win, while the defense, led by center back Cally Chakrian, helped limit Anghle¹s workload. "She¹s a tough leader and plays the game the right way," Pedicini said of Chakrian. "She never quits or gives up and is everything you¹d like your center back to be."
South Side comes to town for a rematch on Oct. 17 at 4:15 p.m. in the Lady Jets¹ final regular season home game. They close on the road at Valley Stream South on Oct. 22 at 10 a.m. and Massapequa on Oct. 24 at 4:15 p.m.
"We need to win as many as we can down the stretch and make each game a playoff game," Pedicini said. "We¹re looking to build leadership and commit to running off the ball as a unit. Everyone has to do it. If we do those things we¹ll be in it, and sometimes in the playoffs that¹s all you need."
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