Jordan Forte scored three goals and Lisa Martin stopped nine shots in the cage to lift the Huntington girl’s lacrosse team over Ward Melville at Blue Devil Stadium last Saturday, 8-6. Huntington plays today (Monday) at Smithtown East at 4 p.m. in a Section XI Division I semifinal game.
The Blue Devils scored the game’s first goal and led at halftime, 4-2. Huntington extended its advantage early in the second half before Ward Melville began crawling closer. The final five minutes of play saw both teams giving their schools everything they have before the Blue Devils finally ran out the clock.
Huntington plays at Smithtown East on Monday at 4 p.m. (Darin Reed photo.)
Forte’s three goals led Huntington, which improved its record to 12-3. Charlotte Maggio tallied a goal and two assists. Regan Sansiviero scored a goal and added an assist. Katie Browne, Alexa Amorison and Gianna Forte also scored in the game.
Martin was once again sharp between the pipes. The senior goalkeeper recorded many tough saves on high, hard shots and others that came out of a crowd of players and were hard to follow.
The Blue Devils haven’t won a playoff game in many years, so Saturday’s victory was sweet, indeed.
“Heading into Monday’s game, I have full confidence if we come out with the energy we had today,” said Jordan Forte, who has 45 goals and 27 assists this spring. “The energy from the moment we walked into the school was so good. Everyone on the team contributed to today’s win and we’re ready to get after it Monday.”
The failure to win any playoff games in recent years hasn’t been lost on Blue Devil players. “It feels great to break the Huntington ‘curse,’” said Browne, who has tallied 27 goals and 12 assists this season. “We played so well and really connected on the field. We have so much fire and are definitely ready for Smithtown East.”
The Blue Devils fell to Smithtown East (13-2) earlier in the season, 9-4. The Bulls advanced to the semifinal round game by besting William Floyd on Saturday, 11-7.
“I feel good after today’s game, “ said Martin, who was strong in the cage. “I’m proud of how we all work together and have a part in the win. Going into Smithtown East, I feel we have a good chance and we just have to play Huntington lacrosse and have each other’s backs to make it count.”
Huntington head coach Beth Vogelsang and assistant coaches Vinny Tannazzo and Carli Clementi were pleased with the energy the Blue Devils brought to the field.
“I’m so excited,” Grace Agrillo said. “We had such a great time playing. Going into Monday’s game, we need to keep the same energy and momentum. We will have to make some adjustments based on how Smithtown East plays, but I can’t wait to play again.”
While Huntington had turned back Ward Melville in a late regular season contest, 13-7, the Blue Devils knew they would be in for a tough game last Saturday so they were ready.
“After today’s game, I am feeling extremely confident and excited going into Monday’s game at Smithtown East,” said Gianna Forte, who has 21 goals and seven assists this spring. “We came out today with energy and everyone had the same goal of winning. We have all been working so hard for this moment and we all deserve it.”
Huntington doesn’t have a lot of depth on its roster, so every Blue Devil player is vital to the team. Everyone needs to pull their weight if the team is going to succeed.
“Today’s game showcased the hard work that we put into every practice and our ability to work as a team,” said Tallulah Pitti. “We are all extremely fired up for Monday’s game and are looking forward to extending our season.”
Huntington fielded one of the first girls’ lacrosse teams in Suffolk. The Blue Devils won the 1990 county title, a league title in 1992, another county crown in 1994 and league, county and Long Island championships in 1995.
“We couldn’t be more excited about the outcome of today’s game,” defensive stalwart Julia Gorecki said. “Everyone has come such a long way and we are not ready for our season to be over yet. Monday’s game is going to be a tough matchup, but I feel that we are very well prepared and motivated to win.”
Huntington didn’t have much time to savor its victory before it had to start preparing for Smithtown East.
“Beating Ward Melville was such a great feeling,” said Maggio, who has 19 goals and 20 assists this season. “Our team has been working extremely hard non-stop this whole season and we definitely deserved that win and I am so proud of everyone on the team. Our game against Smithtown East on Monday is definitely a quick turnaround, but I think we’re ready for it. I’m so excited and grateful to be able to be playing further into the playoffs with such an amazing team.”
