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Sports

Port Washington Is Looking Strong in Field Hockey

Although youth is a factor this season, don't expect it to be an issue in the wins column. If anything, the Lady Vikings improved their team.

2009 Record: 7-6-1 overall (lost in first round of Conference II playoffs).

Head Coach:
Joe Lederer

Top Players: So. Goalie Kelly McDonough, Jr. Goalie Brittany Nachamie, Jr. Link (Offense) Ariana Spagna, Jr. Link (Offense) Chrissy Commons, Jr. Halfback (Defense) Gianna Gallo, Sr. Front Line (Offense) Alice Chou

Position Breakdown: With a young core, it looks as if five sophomore players could play on the starting lineup. Olivia Anderson, Miranda Giovenco, Lauren Desimone, Danielle Rosmarin, Kristin Kujan, and Kelly McDonough round up the underclassman on the team. The majority of them will play midfield.

The offense will be made of up primarily juniors with Ariana Spagna and Chrissy Commons in the link position.

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The defense, Lederer pointed out, will remain the upperclassman's territory though.  

Along with defense, speed will also help the Lady Vikings execute throughout the season. "This team is faster than last years, for sure," reckoned Lederer.

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Expectations:  In most cases, with youth comes uncertainty. But here, the Lady Vikings look like they can manage to come up with a better team than the one before it. Although last year the team lost tremendous varsity leadership, this year, they will make up the loss with their quickness. Captains Kayla Harris, Chrissy Commons and Rachel Lazar will be the backbone of this team guiding the Lady Vikings in the right direction this year. 

On Wednesday, September 15, Port Washington defeated Oyster Bay by a 3-1 rout. Lauren Desimone, Katie Gennusa and Olivia Anderson all came up big with second half goals. Kelly McDonough and Brittany Nachamie had four and three saves, respectively. The team will need more wins like this if they plan on competing in the Conference for a playoff spot.

Last season, the team's victory in the last game over heavy favorite Massapequa allowed them to reach the playoffs in style.  This season, the Lady Vikings will try to stay away from last minute heroics and qualify for a spot in the postseason before the final game.

Key Matchups: September 27 @ Baldwin, October 5 vs. Baldwin, October 13 @ Friends Academy, October 20 @ Massapequa

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