Top conference challenges Lynbrook

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Winning five conference championships in 10 years, including two straight, it was time for Lynbrook’s girls’ soccer program to take on the ultimate challenge, coach Jen Dankenbrink said.

So the Lady Owls, off an 11-win season that ended with a loss to Cold Spring Harbor on penalty kicks in the first round of the Nassau Class A tournament, are running with the big dogs in Conference A-I. Through four games, they’re 1-1-2 and showing they belong despite losing 11 seniors from last year’s A-II winning squad. “It was time to make the move,” Dankenbrink said. “It’s more stressful, but I think we needed a bigger challenge. Every game feels like a playoff game.”

Lynbrook (3-2-2 overall), seeded at the bottom of the six-team A-I, played Manhasset and Wantagh to 1-1 draws last week. Junior Kayla O’Doherty and senior Erin Loonie had the goals for the Lady Owls, respectively. “I thought we controlled the Manhasset game, so the tie was a little disappointing but we’ll take the point,” Dankenbrink said. “Wantagh is a very physical team and it was a close game all the way.”

A new triangle formation is led by Loonie and fellow senior Gina Giovinco at center-midfield. Loonie is a two-time All-Class selection with four years of varsity experience. “Erin’s a great leader with great composure and can take complete control of the center of the field,” Dankenbrink said. “Her throw-ins are like corner kicks.” Giovinco, who assisted on O’Doherty’s goal against Manhasset, is probably the quickest player on the roster, the coach noted, and has excellent field vision. Supporting Loonie and Giovinco as a holding midfielder is sophomore Jessica Woll, a defensive-minded player with a strong and accurate foot.

The forward group was bolstered by sophomore Jade Fixon-Owoo’s move to the soccer pitch from the tennis court. “Jade is strong, fast and athletic with great foot skills,” Dankenbrink said.

Junior Christine Molina, called up to varsity midway through last season, has a knack for putting the ball in the net. She had a hat trick in Lynbrook’s 4-2 conference-opening win over Island Trees. “She’s always in the right spot,” Dankenbrink said. O’Doherty can make things happen with both feet and also scored against Island Trees. Senior Ashley Esposito brings a solid left-footed shot, and junior Gabby Vogt is also contributing.

Senior Rachel Valentino might be a starting fullback, but she’s no stranger to the offensive side of the field. She had one goal and two assists through seven games. “Rachel’s got a lot of speed and is an offensive threat,” she said. “She’s so fast, she can get back on defense and recover after making a run.” Junior Sophia LoCicero never comes off the field at center-back, anchoring the defense along with senior Ali Quadrozzi. Junior Allison Kunstler and sophomore Kathryn Bamman are seeing key minutes at fullback.

In goal, junior Hope Germanakos had big shoes to fill and is improving every day, Dankenbrink said. Last year’s JV starter and also the goalie on the lacrosse team, Germanakos built some confidence with a non-league shutout against Long Beach.