Finley Girls’ Lax is Flying High

The Finley Middle School girl’s lacrosse team is off to a strong start with a 5-0 record after defeating some of Suffolk’s top programs.

Finley players quickly fell into a harmonious rhythm with one another shortly after the start of the season. The seventh graders who recently joined the program, added roster depth and talent on the team. With a strong young base, the team has been able to focus on developing a set offense that leads to high scoring games.

In the first five games, Finley outscored its opponents, 80-30. “They are relentless when it comes to coming out on top,” said head coach Hildi Stanford, who is assisted by Greg Dieterich. “A strong defense led by eighth graders Alexa Wasoski, Cassidy Harris, Claire Dello Iacono and seventh grade goalie Zoe Chiclacos helped to solidify the wins.

“The team’s offense is just that; a team,” Stanford said. The goals and assists have been evenly distributed throughout the roster with even some defensive players scoring.

Leading the charge after the first five games are eighth graders Emma Barch with seven goals and five assists and Shea Gilroy with seven goals and three assists.

The seventh graders to watch have been Brianna Purcell (9g; 3a), Kaitlyn Purcell (7g; 5a), Abby Arelt (7g; 2a) and Emma Martin (7g; 1a).

Contributing to the high scoring games with goals and assists have been seventh graders Victoria Creegan (3g; 4a) , Norah Golden (6g; 2a), Riley Lewis (1a), Keira Lynch (6g; 1a), Shelby Meystrick (1G, 1A), Gianna Skobela (2G), Annabel Stein (1G), Abigail Uvena (6G, 3A) and Milania Watelier (1G, 1A) Along with 8th graders; defenders Claire Dello Iacono (3G, 3A) and Cassidy Harris (1G), Mid-fielders Grace Griffith (1G) and Lia Zivkovic (3G), and attackers Mati Kindlemann (1g; 1a)  and Violet Palacios (1g).

“With hard work, unselfishness, a willingness to work together under pressure and a never-giving up attitude these girls have found the ability to win,” Stanford said. In their last three games the girls found themselves down 3-0 in the first few minutes of the game. In all of those games they have dug deep and found a way to put their team ahead winning by five or more goals.”

Finley has three games remaining with games against Stimson on May 13th @ FMS, May 16th vs. Lindenhurst, May 17th vs. East Northport both played on the Alumni Turf at Huntington High School and 3 away games: vs Udall; 5/21 (West Islip), West Babylon (5/29), and Brentwood North on 5/30.

Stimson plays at Finley on May 13 at 4 p.m. Games against Lindenhurst (May 16) and East Northport (May 16) will be play at the high school’s Alumni Field at 5 p.m. Finley visits Udall (May 21), West Babylon (May 29) and Brentwood (May 30) to wrap-up the season.

Finley is hoping to keep rolling right through to the final whistle. You can follow the team’s journey on Instagram @finleymiddleschool_wlax.