The Huntington girls’ lacrosse team captured a convincing 16-2 victory over visiting Lindenhurst last Friday afternoon on Senior Day at Blue Devil Stadium.
Played in a steady rain, the game saw the Huntington offense put on a show. The Blue Devils built what proved to be an insurmountable 11-2 first half lead and never looked back.
Regan Sansiviero (23 goals; 26 assists) tallied two goals and five assists to pace Huntington. Katie Browne (35g; 15a) and Gianni Forte (37g; 10a) both had three goals and an assist. Gretel Cassell (19g; 3a) and Devon St. John (6g; 5a) scored two goals each. Bridget Callery (5g; 1a), Riley Murtagh (1g), Tallulah Pitti (1g) and Emily Plachta (2g; 1a) also had goals in the game. Goalie Ainsley Proctor made a save.
The Blue Devils are 8-6 overall and 7-5 in league play. Huntington plays at powerful Ward Melville on Tuesday at 5:15 p.m. and at Connetquot on Wednesday at 7 p.m.
Following the game, players, coaches and parents posed for photos in the rain before attractive banners depicting each of the seniors that were affixed to the Blue Devil Stadium bleacher facade. Members of the group then headed indoors for a small ceremony and a party.
The seniors include Katie Browne, Gretel Cassell, Emily Geller, Tallulah Pitti, Emily Plachta, Ainsley Proctor and Regan Sansiviero.
All seven seniors have meant so much to Huntington over the years and have helped bring the Blue Devils to the brink of another playoff berth this spring.
“I’ve loved being a part of such a great team and community of people,” Pitti said. “I will forever cherish the memories I have made as a Blue Devil lacrosse player.”
Players enjoyed a post-game buffet indoors. Head coach Shea Scully spoke about each of the seniors as assistant coaches Katie Reilly and Chris Taylor stood nearby.
“Being a member of the Huntington girls’ lacrosse program has been something so special to me,” Sansiviero said. “I have made so many memories with my team over the years that I will cherish forever. The Huntington lacrosse program is truly a community and I am excited to see it grow.”
The seniors all found it hard to believe that their respective careers had passed in what seems to be the blink of an eye. They are sad that their time in a Blue Devil uniform is nearing an end, but excited about going off to college and opening a new chapter in their lives.
“Being a Blue Devil means the world to me,” Proctor said. “All of these girls have left an indelible mark on me and although it is so sad to leave, I am excited to see where this team goes in the future.”
Scully presented each of the seniors with gift bags. The teenagers have all played hard this spring and have been wonderful role models for the underclassmen.
“Being a Blue Devil is a very special thing,” Plachta said. “This team is full of great athletes and even better people. Playing lacrosse for Huntington is an experience unlike any other.”
Huntington Superintendent James W. Polansky also attended the festivities, chatting with parents and coaches and applauding the seniors when they were introduced.
“I’ve loved playing lacrosse for Huntington High School all these years,” Browne said. “We are such a family unit and it’s helped shape me into the person I am today.”
The seniors have been integral parts of the program for so long that it is difficult to picture Huntington girls’ lacrosse without them in uniform next spring.