Carey ready for challenges

The Carey girls come off an up-and-down lacrosse season that resulted in seven wins and left the Lady Seahawks out of the playoffs. With a blend of talented returnees and some promising newcomers, Conference IV’s top-seeded team is hoping for more in 2018.

The season got off to a bad start before the team even stepped foot on the field for its first workout. Sophomore Kelly-Ann McGrath, who was second in the county with 79 goals as a freshman, was injured in the last basketball game of the season
and will miss the entire 2018 lacrosse
campaign.

Despite playing without McGrath and dealing with injuries to a few other key players, the Lady Seahawks are off to a 2-2 start. In a heartbreaking 10-9 loss to visiting MacArthur, Carey got 21 saves from sophomore goalie Vanessa Tortorella and three goals from freshman Jenna Gallant. 

Nicole Kaye, in her third year as head coach at Carey, will need others to try to fill the void. “The girls realize that they need to step up to the challenge,” Kaye said. “They’re up for it. The weather has made things a little tough, but they’re working hard and getting after it. It’s a tight knit group, and a great bunch to coach. I’m intrigued to see how the season goes.”

With the team’s starting goalie out with an injury, Tortorella, who can also play attack, is showing her versatility. She is averaging 13 saves per game. Senior Briana Frandina suffered an injury in practice. When she returns, Kaye has the option of playing Frandina on defense or in the net.

Senior captains Meghan Santina and Kerri Conti are the backbone of the defense. Santina is a physical presence, the team’s vocal leader, and a player who can get the team transitioned into offense. Conti is an experienced defender who slides well, and has excellent field sense.

Junior Maia Membreno, a first-year varsity player, is persevering on the back line. A pair of sophomores, Michelle Almonte and KerriAnn Walker, add depth on defense.

Senior captain Corinna Salerno is a defensive-minded middie who forces turnovers, is a ground ball magnet, and gets the team moving in transition. Sophomore center Alex Busch is a well-rounded player who handles the faceoffs. Busch is off to a great start with 14 goals and six assists. 

Gallant is a relentless competitor who could emerge as the team’s go-to player. She scored seven goals in the season-opener against St. Dominic, and has a team-high 17 tallies on the season. 

Junior Athanasia Tzakas does all the little things to set teammates up to succeed. Sophomore Gabby Campos’s return from injury is a big plus for the Seahawks. Campos scored twice in the team’s 19-3 victory over Sewanhaka.

Junior Jenna Lim gives the team versatility with her ability to play both middie and low attack. Seniors Heather Padesky and Renee Palminteri provide depth
at attack.

Carey hosts Mineola next Tuesday, April 17th at 4:30 p.m.