Port Washington Girls Lacrosse Reflects on 2012 Season

Port Washington's celebrate what its coaches deem another successful season. The Vikings finished 12-4 and Nassau Class A Semi-finalists.

The team was led by senior Captains Chrissy Commons, Hayley Kerr, Emily Rosenthal, Kaitlyn Brown and Gianna Gallo. Varsity Coaches Raquel Piraino and Mary Romano say they recognize the team for its "outstanding 2012 campaign."

On March 17, the Vikings hosted its annual HEADstrong Lacrosse Tournament. This fundraiser benefits the HEADstrong Foundation, which carries out the legacy and vision of founder and former Hofstra Lacrosse Player Nicholas E. Colleluri. This foundation advocates and provides funding and support for those affected by blood cancer. This is the largest high school pre-season tournament on Long Island. The girl’s lacrosse showcase brings in 12 teams from Nassau, Suffolk and New Jersey many who are nationally ranked. The teams that competed this year were: Port Washington, St. Anthony’s, Garden City, Hauppauge, Half Hollow Hills, Smithtown West, West Babylon, Rocky Point, Deer Park, North Shore, Wantagh and Glen Ridge, New Jersey. More than 2,500 was donated to the HEADstrong Foundation from this event.

Another event that was very near and dear to both coaches and players was the April 4 KEIRAstrong lacrosse game between Port and Massapequa. This league game was played honoring seven year old Keira Enright. Keira is the daughter of Science teacher and popular coach Jim Enright. In early March, Keira was diagnosed with Lymoblastic leukemia. The Enright Family resides in Massapequa and has been involved with the youth lacrosse programs there as well as Port. Knowing the upcoming game was on the schedule, the Port Washington coaching staff and players decided to spearhead “Keirastrong” and play the game in Keira's honor. Both varsity teams wore white and orange uniforms for leukemia awareness and jerseys with the KEIRAstrong logo. Both teams presented the Enright Family on game day with many gifts and donations from both communities. Piraino and Romano felt the game was an excellent platform to help a friend in need, raise awareness and also a life-long lesson for all. To date both school districts and communities have raised more than $5,000 to help offset the Enright's medical expenses.

The coaches say they are extremely proud and grateful of students, colleagues and athletes throughout the district. Many have jumped in with KEIRAstrong and sold bracelets and t-shirts to contribute along with the teams. Ironically both Girls and Boy’s Varsity Lacrosse teams met again in the Nassau Class A Semi-finals with Massapequa advancing.

The 2012 Girl’s Varsity Lacrosse team earned many individual and team accolades this season. This years team award winners were: Natalie Ledwitz (Most Improved player), Kristin Kujan and Brenna Betsch (Coaches Award) and Hayley Kerr (Most Valuable Team Player.) The Nassau County Coaches Association honored the following Varsity Members on Monday June 11 at the Crest Hollow County Club. Accolades went to Liz Einhaus (Unsung Hero), Emily Rosenthal (Scholar Athlete), Chrissy Commons, Gianna Gallo and Emily Rosenthal (All Conference), Danielle Rosmarin (Honorable-Mention All-County) and Hayley Kerr and Kaitlyn Brown (All-County)

With special thanks to Coach Raquel Piraino.