Kaci McDonald’s Goals Lift Huntington on Senior Day

A pair of second half goals by Kaci McDonald and ironclad defense helped the Huntington field hockey team shutout Lindenhurst, 4-0 on Senior Day at Blue Devil Stadium.

Huntington was uneven and appeared tight in the scoreless first half, but McDonald’s offense along with goals by Laurel Bonn and Charlotte Curtin and strong defense from Gemma Cartwright, Laura Curtin and Erin Scanlon paved the way for another Blue Devil victory.

Huntington has won its last four games by a cumulative score of 14-1. The victory over Lindenhurst was the Blue Devils’ twelfth of the fall, tying the program’s all-time record.

Grace Agrillo had two assists in the game and Charlotte Curtin also assisted on a goal. Huntington goalie Carlee Schultz got the win. Lindenhurst goalkeeper Kayla Lipscomb stopped 16 blistering shots.

During a pre-game ceremony, head coach Kathy Wright, assistant coach Allison Conlon and the team’s underclassmen waxed poetic while honoring an exemplary set of seniors who have brought the Huntington field hockey program to an elite level.

The seniors include Grace Agrillo, Laurel Bonn, Gemma Cartwright, Laura Curtin, Quinn Fox, Tessie Maerz, Markella Markotsis, Kaci McDonald, Katie Meagher, Rachel Morina, Abby Pawlak, Erin Scanlon, Carlee Schultz and Stephanie Wickey.

Teammates made colorful posters filled with photos for each of the seniors and affixed them to the bleacher facade. Balloons were attached to the bleacher railing, creating a festive atmosphere. The seniors were given gifts, including carefully restored decades old classic field hockey sticks.

It’s hard to overstate the importance of any one Blue Devil player. Huntington needs all of them to make the team click from Schultz and her 78 saves and seven shutouts in the cage and Bonn and her 12 goals, five assists and 17 points, which make her one of Suffolk’s most potent offensive forces to the determined Agrillo, who with six goals and seven assists would run through a wall for her teammates.

The team’s defense is comprised of unsung heroes whose names aren’t listed in the newspaper following each game, but without whom the team goes nowhere.

Maerz is one of the players that make Huntington’s engine run. The teenager’s five goals and eight assists put her among the county’s statistical leaders. No one has worn a Blue Devil uniform with more pride.

“Wearing a Blue Devil field hockey uniform has meant everything to me for the past four years,” Maerz said. “When you put on that jersey you are a part of a family and I wouldn’t trade that for anything. I remember when I first put it on and how excited I was and I had no idea what would be in store for the next four years. I have made countless memories in the Blue Devil uniform that I will cherish forever and always keep close to my heart. Turning in the uniform will be very hard, but then the next person who wears it gets to make the same amazing memories that they will cherish forever and start their journey with Huntington field hockey.”