By TONY BELLISSIMO
“We’re only in our third year as a program and we’re facing stronger competition than ever before,” coach Dayna Contento said. “We want to maintain a .500 record. Playing a tougher schedule has helped us become a better team.”
Elmont (4-3) won four of its first five Conference V games out of the gate and was fired up to meet North Shore, which entered the showdown with a 5-1 mark. The decisive goal for the Lady Vikings came with 10 minutes left in regulation when Jennifer Melgar converted a pass from Christina Convey for a 2-1 victory. “We had the ball on their side of the field most of the game,” Contento said. “Our girls gave everything they had and are upset about losing. A lot of them were on the field for all 80 minutes. It just didn’t work out in our favor.”
Senior captain Miya Denis continued her scoring surge with goal No. 8 on the year. The All-County center-halfback has carried the offense, which was Contento’s biggest concern heading into the season given the graduation of Laura Rivera, who led the county in goals with 18. “Miya’s done a great job of picking up the scoring slack,” Contento said. “She’s the whole package.”
After investing so much emotion and energy in the North Shore game, the Lady Spartans had little gas in the tank by the time Lynbrook rolled into town 24 hours later. The Lady Owls took advantage, winning 4-1. Elmont won the first meeting between the teams, 4-2, on Sept. 11.
“We have great chemistry on and off the field,” Contento said. “I couldn’t ask for a better group of girls. Their skill level has improved and they work hard.”
While Denis leads the offense, senior captains Diana Allen and Jessica Diaz head the defense. Allen, an All-County sweeper, is aggressive and has speed to burn. She’s even played some forward and had a clutch goal in a 5-4 overtime victory at Roslyn on Sept. 24 that saw Denis score four times. Diaz is as steady as they come on the back row and also a weapon on offense thanks to her long throw-ins. Senior Stephanie Althee and junior Jasmine Cobbs start at fullback.
Senior Gabbie Sam is Elmont’s last line of defense, and she’s come up big time and again. Her season high of nine saves came in the win over Roslyn.
In addition to Denis, senior Deborah Okeke (two goals in a 4-2 win over Clarke) and freshman Kayla Ridley (two goals in opener against Lynbrook) have provided scoring punch. Seniors Monica Marriott and Jessica Linares lend support at midfield and forward, respectively.
Elmont has a rematch with North Shore on Oct. 17. “We’re looking forward to it,” Contento said.
Comments about this story? TBellissimo@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 204.
