Sports
April 2011
Hoofbeats
15
Lady Colts set high goals by Dana Reilly Staff Writer
Varsity girls’ lacrosse is off to a solid start, with a record of 2-2 in a tough conference. Senior Diandra Hanna scored five goals on the road against Elmont, as the Lady Colts won a non-conference battle, 20-7. Calhoun’s overall record is 3-7. Hanna, who signed to play Division I lacrosse at Quinnipiac University, also scored four goals against Hicksville. Hanna is wrapping up her fifth year on varsity, starting her career as an eighth grader. “It’s been a good five years,” Hanna said. “I’m excited to take the next step in my lacrosse career.” Head Coach James Raucci and Assistant Coach Julianna LaLuna have been working with the girls
“As long as mentally we stay together, we can physically compete with these teams. We have the chance to have a really great season.” - Kelly Gallo Junior on their skills on the field, overcoming weaknesses. Ms. LaLuna helps the girls with their endurance and agility training. With the combination of these two teachers and their dedication to the girls the team hopes they will be able to show off their talent. As Talia Charidah said, “I think that the team chemistry we have will make a huge impact on our play for the better.” This is a positive outlook because many of the girls have one specific goal: to get to the turf. This, of course, is a reference to the turf fields where the Final Four playoffs are held. In years past the girls have had some tough competition and this season is no different. Some schools challenging the Lady Colts in Conference I are Massapequa, Baldwin, Port Washington, and Farmingdale. Solid in net has been the trio of senior Kasey Solotoff, junior Kelly Gallo and sophomore Haylee Solomon. Gallo said, “As long as mentally we stay together, we can physically compete with these teams. We have the chance to have a really great season.”
(photo by Holly Lavelli)
Senior Ava Fitzgerald, one of the three senior captains, scored three goals against Hicksville High School.
Ellie Rosenblum, Meghan O’Sullivan, and Ava Fitzgerald are the three senior captains who have been on varsity since they were freshmen. They help with the meshing of the team chemistry. “All three captains have taken on a leadership role and will lead this team to do great things,“ Gallo said.
Fitzgerald is tops on the team in goals scored with Hanna, scoring three against Hicksville, two against Plainedge, and a whopping six goals in a 14-12 win against East Meadow. The Colts had a winning conference record until suffering a 16-6 loss to Baldwin High School. The lost dropped the girls to fifth place.
In the loss, Jessica Silverman and Leah Sanders both scored two goals. Hanna also picked up another goal. However, there are still many games left to play and Hanna believes the team can go deep into the post-season. “If we keep working as hard as we do, we can make it far in the playoffs,” she said.