Hewlett growing as a unit

Graduating eight of the previous year’s starters, including the two leading goal scorers and the starting goalkeeper, is a daunting prospect for any coach. And while Robyn Pastuch said she’ll sorely miss the production from her departed Hewlett girls’ lacrosse roster, she’s also excited to shape a new culture of successful young athletes.

And to do so, she’s going beyond the confines of the playing field.

During the offseason, the Lady Bulldogs could often be found at local PAL games, cheering on younger female athletes and encouraging them to stick with lacrosse as they progress towards high school.

The off-the-field activity has not only united her players, but also helps them become positive influences and role models within their local community. “It’s great when the girls have that responsibility and they know they’re being looked up to,” said Pastuch, who guided the Lady Bulldogs to the playoffs last year in her first season at the helm.

With a rebuilding squad, Pastuch said she expects some bumps along the road this season. Along the way, she’s asked her players to keep a running journal to set goals on a game-by-game basis and reflect if they are meeting them. Often on bus rides back from games, Pastuch said the girls will engage in lively discussions on how they can improve.

“Our goal for the team is progress, not perfection,” the coach said, “We take the games as either we win or we learn.”

Hewlett opened the season late last month with back-to-back road conference games at Hicksville and Jericho, dropping both. But with a two-week break until their next game on April 10, she said her staff has utilized the time to make necessary strategic adjustments.

On the field, Pastuch said she relies heavily on her four senior captains for leadership: Louise Hochberg, Kristin McInnes, Jessica McMahon and Jariany Hernandez.

Hochberg, the coach noted, is the vocal leader on defense. “She loves to talk,” the coach said with a laugh, “and she does a great job getting the defense going.”

Junior Margo Verschleiser is a force on both sides of the field, excelling on draws and attacking the net, said Pastuch, adding: “if I need a goal, or if I need a stop, she’s the one I look to.”

The team will get a boost with the return of junior Juliette Squicciarino, whose season was cut short a year ago after she suffered a concussion. On the younger side, Pastuch said she’s particularly excited to watch the development of freshman Mia Perkell and sophomore Katie Korin, who Patuch described as an “athletic, high I.Q. player.”

With the season about to hit full throttle this week, Pastuch said she’s eager to see her girls’ growing confidence translate to the playing field.  

“The most important thing when dealing with a rebuilding team and girls who are eager to learn and progress, is you have to take small victories and build off those,” she said. “When you change the focus from winning to positive growth, the winning just comes.”