Hewlett logging its progress

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Success may not be written in stone for the Hewlett girls’ lacrosse team. 

But it has been written – in many hands and various vibrant colors – in the Lady Bulldogs’ new journals. 

Along with a set of sterling credentials, first-year coach Robyn Pastuch has brought new methodology to Hewlett, instituting team-wide journaling and daily affirmations.  And as her rookie season as skipper unfolds, Pastuch – a former high school lacrosse Academic All-American, and member of UCONN’s 2005 ECAC championship team – observes that veteran-heavy Hewlett, now 3-2 in Nassau Conference III, is proving it can turn what exists on the page into on-the-field reality.

“At the beginning of the season we set team goals in our journals, and before every game they set individual goals,” Pastuch said. “I think it’s helped. It reminds the kids to do their best, and be leaders on the field and off.”

Leading Hewlett’s offense, no doubt, has been five-year returning midfielder Kristen DeCicco, a Le Moyne College (Syracuse) commit, whose 13-point outburst on April 5 in Hewlett’s 21-13 win at East Meadow made her third in the conference in scoring (41) as well as third in goals (30). 

“Kristen is fun to watch,” Pastuch said. “If I need a goal she gets it for me.” 

Senior attacker Kylie Halpern, a four-year returner who ranks fifth in conference goals (24), and returning sophomore midfielder Margo Verschleiser have joined DeCicco in powering Hewlett’s offense, with returning senior Samantha Stern and freshman Katie Korin doing yeoman’s work at the attack positions.

“Kylie’s a pure scorer, a tough kid,” Pastuch said. “Margo’s been everywhere, doing it all. I try not to over-coach, so it’s nice when girls know what to do without me having to tell them.”

One Lady Bulldog who didn’t need to be told what to do is Mychael Schnell.  This preseason, the four-year returning senior laid down her defender’s stick and volunteered to fill the vacancy at goalie for Hewlett.

“Mychael stepped up incredibly,” Pastuch said. “And she has a phenomenal defense in front of her that takes pride in not giving up the easy shot.”

Lightening the workload for Schnell this year are senior defenders Erin Schecter and Nina Squicciarini, both five-year returners; Ali Beyda, a four-year returner and team co-captain with Halpern and DeCicco; and third-year returning sophomore defender Juliette Squicciarini.

“My defense has been clutch,” boasted Pastuch. “Especially with a goalie who’s new to the position.”

With less than half of the regular season remaining, Pastuch seems ready to double down on her program of positive thinking.

“We have shirts coming that say ‘All In’ on the back,” Pastuch said. She explained, “It means if you buy in and trust the process, it’ll work for you. The girls have to buy in to everything we’re doing.  And hopefully make a playoff run.”

The Lady Bulldogs are scheduled to play games on three consecutive days beginning on April 19 when they host Bethpage at 5:15 p.m.