By TONY BELLISSIMO
Senior attack Lauren Luckert scored a career-high 10 goals to lead a 16-9 win over Elmont and senior midfielder Nicole McBride's five goals highlighted a 7-6 triumph over Clarke.
"We had a tight-knit group of girls who had great chemistry on and off the field," coach Rafaela Doherty said. "The season we had on paper wasn't what we were looking for. We let a few games get away that we should've won."
The future of the program is bright because of the significant playing time earned by four sophomores and three freshmen, though the departures of Luckert and McBride are sure to be felt. Both will graduate from South later this month. Luckert had 42 goals and eight assists and ranked second on the team in scoring behind McBride, who scored 56 goals and assisted on 16 others. "Nobody knew whether or not Nicole was going to take a shot or pass," Doherty said of the honorable mention All-County player who also forced 31 turnovers. "She was unpredictable. We're going to miss her a lot in transition. She's the kind of player who makes everyone around her better."
Thanks in large part to her ability to fill the net, Luckert received All-Conference honors. "Lauren's a great finisher around the cage," Doherty said.
The defense will be experienced and stronger next year with everyone returning. Sophomore Samantha Saad and freshman Shannen Mincey were given the toughest assignments each game and grew into their roles. Junior Kayleen Kelty and sophomores Alexandra Troiano and Nicole Mercado also played key roles in front of senior goaltender Merona Ramsahaye, who was phenomenal at times in only her second year playing the sport. "I think our schedule took a toll on the defense," Doherty said. "We had one week where we played four games in five days and another where we had three games in four days. Without a doubt I think that's what kept us from finishing .500 or better."
In addition to McBride, junior Amanda Korfhage (15 goals) and sophomore Stephanie Manta (10 assists) made good things happen in the midfield.
Two games that stand out in the coach's mind are two-goal victories against Sewanhaka and Great Neck North. "More than half the goals we scored in each game had an assist," Doherty said. "That showed how well the girls worked together."
Manta's goal with 1:25 remaining proved the game-winner in a 15-13 win over Sewanhaka on April 14. McBride (four) and seniors Christine Lee (three) and Kerri Lines (two) combined for nine goals. Four days later Valley Stream rallied from a one-goal halftime to beat Great Neck North, 13-11. McBride had seven goals and Ramsahaye 13 saves.
"We had a very young team and I'm excited for next year," Doherty said.
Comments about this story? tbellissimo@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000, ext. 204.
