Clarke's offense packs punch

The goals have come in bunches for Clarke on the lacrosse field, where the Lady Rams have split their first four games. They’ve scored 16 goals in each of the wins and fallen just shy of the victory column in the two defeats, losing each by a pair of goals.

“Most of the team is [made up of] seniors and they’re really coming into their own,” coach Rick Aragona said.

Following consecutive defeats to Carle Place (9-7 on March 25) and Seaford (8-6 on March 23), Clarke rebounded with a 16-6 victory over Carey on the final day of the month, before the holiday break. Senior Jen Wahlig scored a game-high six goals and added a pair of assists to fuel an attack that saw nine different players tallying at least one goal, including five who netted two. The Lady Rams jumped out to a commanding 12-2 lead at halftime, making life easy for sophomore goalie Jenn Sawicki, who turned aside five shots in the win.

“Regardless of what we do in practice these girls play run and gun and shoot, shoot, shoot,” Aragona said. “And that’s fine with me. We have the speed, stamina, endurance and the moves.”

The offense gets its push from senior Diana Schmitt, the point guard of the attack who generally starts each game at center before shuffling around. Seniors Madeline Anderson and Nicole Russell are not only fast but have strong sticks and a good command of the field. Senior Julia Cavaluzzi often sets up behind the cage, while juniors Amanda Reyes and Any Chavez and sophomore Madeline Seims (nine goals, five assists) have also become key components in the offense. “We want them to be looking and at racking up as many goals as possible,” Aragona said.

Senior Lauren Keller anchors the midfield, which is without sophomore Michelle Barahona because of injury, with support from juniors Brianna Ventola and Megan Fitzpatrick, who also log time on the backline. “At midfield we have threats to score and that’s an added [bonus],” Aragona said. “They do the playmaking, cuts, sweeps and drawing the defense.”