Thursday, October 1, 2026
Despite holding a two-goal lead at halftime, South Side first-year coach Rob Devlin felt some defensive adjustments were necessary to keep talented Lynbrook from breaking through in a key Conference II girls’ lacrosse matchup on April 5.
“We needed to play better defensively in the second half and the girls did a great job responding,” Devlin said after the Lady Cyclones held on for an exciting 15-12 road victory. “It was a tight game all the way and a fun one to be a part of,” he added.
Junior Jolie Creo had four goals and three assists, senior Bridget Considine added three goals and four assists, freshman Katie McMahon had a hat trick and one assist, and junior Ailis DeTommaso chipped in a pair of goals and three assists as South Side (4-0 in Conference II) passed its biggest test so far.
“We’ve got a nice mix of seniors and young players,” said Devlin, who served as a varsity assistant under Meaghan Healey for two years after a 13-year run as JV coach. “We’ve been in a bunch of high-scoring games and the younger kids are learning as we go,” he added.
As was the case under Healey, the Lady Cyclones look to make things happen in transition. The midfield, with senior Alex McNicholas in the center and Creo and McMahon on the wings, is starting to jell, Devlin said, and led the way at Lynbrook.
“We did a great job on draw controls,” he said. “Alex is so tough to beat with her height and quickness. She makes smart decisions and is a playmaker. Her teammates look up to her.”
Devlin said he’s watched Creo’s game and confidence grow over the past few years and her athleticism is off the charts. Through four conference games, she has 12 goals and 10 assists. “She’s strong and fast and can shoot from either side,” he noted. McMahon (6 goals) has adapted well to the speed of varsity after playing at the Middle School level last spring.
Up front, everything goes through Considine. A returning All-County selection, she runs the offense from behind the cage along with DeTomasso. “Bridget has a knack of finding her way through tight spaces and has a powerful, accurate shot,” Devlin said of Considine, who scored 20 times and recorded 10 assists in the first four conference games. DeTomasso (5 goals, 7 assists) is already making a big contribution after missing 2016 due to injury, and sophomore Julia Gentile (two goals against Lynbrook) is progressing quickly, the coach said.
Returning three starting defenders — Katherine Parker, Allison Mahoney and Allie Barry — made for instant chemistry in the back. Parker and Mahoney are working together for a fourth season, while freshman Nicolina Mauro has fit right in. In goal, junior Gianna Mauro played considerable minutes a year ago and so far has split responsibilities with freshman Jillian Schumacher.
“Winning the conference is on the girls’ minds, but they’re not looking beyond the next game,” Devlin said.
