Sports

Kennedy rallies to beat Lynbrook

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Playing in Nassau County’s top girls’ soccer conference made for some difficult days and growing pains for Kennedy, which drew another tough assignment in the form of Conference III champion Lynbrook in the first round of the Class A playoffs last Friday afternoon.

But despite allowing the game’s opening goal and trailing at halftime, the Lady Cougars never quit and gave themselves something to smile about. Senior Anna Lawrence scored twice in a span of 72 seconds in the second half, and senior goalkeeper Gabrielle D’Ambrosi made five saves to lead Kennedy to a spirited 2-1 victory.

Senior Patti Loonie scored the 17th goal of the year for the 11th-seeded Lady Owls (12-1-1 overall), who got eight saves from junior keeper Michelle Cantanno.

“We had a rough time in Conference I, but we were so psyched for the playoffs,” said Lawrence, who netted the winner with exactly 27 minutes remaining. “None of us, especially the seniors, wanted this to be our last game. We won our first-round playoff game four years in a row now.”

Lynbrook coach Jennifer Dankenbrink was pleased with her team’s performance. “I thought we played well against a Conference I opponent,” she said. “It’s a game that could’ve gone either way. They beat us with two great shots.”

Lawrence’s left-footed blasts, both from between 15 and 18 yards out, were off similar plays. The first, a low, hard shot with 28:12 remaining, came off a through pass from senior Lauren Kranis. The winner, assisted by senior Meredith Jones, took the overland route and grazed the far post on the way in.

“Playing South Side, Garden City and Wantagh twice a year teaches you a lot,” Kennedy coach Roland Clark said. “We also tied Calhoun in a non-league game, which gave us a confidence boost. I’m really happy for these girls.”

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