A COVID-19 related shortage of Section XI officials prevented the J. Taylor Finley Middle girls’ lacrosse team from playing its full complement of games last spring. Some of the contests were converted into scrimmages, but nothing could stop the squad’s energetic players from shining.
Coached by Linda Costello Roth and Ysrael Gonzalez, Finley fielded an aggressive group of players, all anxious to show the word their talents.
Finley was captained by Molly O’Brien, Devon St. John, Isabelle Gregorio and Jenna Italiano. The 25 player team featured a nice mix of seventh and eighth graders, most of which had experience in the sport.
“The girls really came together as a unit,” Coach Roth said. “They worked hard and their play showed excellent improvement. I’m so proud of the inclusivity they showed to one another.”
St. John and seventh grader Jolie Weinschreider led Finley in goals, but many others contributing to the scoring parade, too. “The future for girls’ lax in Huntington looks great,” Coach Roth said.
The roster also included seventh graders Julianna Ackerman, Bridget Callery, Domenica Elgart, Grace Gordon, Daniela Ibarra, Mia Johnson, Shannon Koepele, Kyra Larsen, Isabella Palacios, Cameron Smith and Riley Unvena and eighth graders Ella Ackerman, Rosie Arner, Sophie Carlson, Daniella Granito, Lily Hotine, Ariana Lepera, Aine Rimkunas, Gwen Tittman and Sophia Weiss.
Counting scrimmage games, Finley compiled a 4-1 mark, outscoring its opposition, 51-37.