Oceanside stocked with talent

As one of 10 teams chosen to compete in the Nassau girls’ lacrosse “power” conference, Oceanside has its work cut out despite returning the most talented roster Ken Dwyer’s said he’s coached in 10 years.

“I was a proponent to the new alignment because it guaranteed the best teams will be in the playoffs,” Dwyer said. “For us, it made for a very tough schedule. We have the talent to compete with all of the Class A schools, which is our main concern.”

The Lady Sailors, who last season reached the Class A semifinals before falling to eventual county champion Syosset, beat Hicksville, Clarke and East Meadow in non-league but dropped each of their first three Conference I games this spring including an 11-9 decision at Farmingdale on April 7.

“It’s been a tough six games so far,” Dwyer explained. “We have high expectations. We need to execute better, play tougher and win the turnover battle.”

Yielding three goals in the final 25 seconds of the first half turned the tide in the Farmingdale game, Dwyer said. “We outplayed them for 24 minutes and 35 seconds and had the lead, and all of a sudden we’re down two at halftime,” he noted. “The girls responded quickly, so I was happy, but we slowly let the game slip away.”

Senior Jenna Doherty had three goals and one assist, while senior Cassie Cesario and junior Alison Schwasnick added two goals apiece.

Cesario, a two-time All-County midfielder bound for Sacred Heart, and Schwasnick, an honorable mention All-County middle, combined for 83 goals a year ago. Cesario had 43 to go along with 25 assists. Through six games this year, she had 15 goals and 10 helpers. “Cassie excels in every aspect,” Dwyer said. “She’s just so important to us. She plays at the top of the zone and is tremendous in transition.”

Schwasnick’s strength is getting to the cage, the coach said. After netting 40 goals as a sophomore, she’s on pace for another big season with 11 goals and eight assists. “Alison is highly skilled and has a combination of power and speed,” Dwyer said. Junior Kelsey Williams, a standout on draws, is developing into an offensive threat and scored twice against East Meadow, and junior Samantha Stein is splitting time between the midfield and defense.

Up front, Doherty, a captain, has seven goals through six games and brings a lot of energy and a high lacrosse IQ. Junior Christina McCabe, an All-County honoree coming off a 38-goal, 31-assist campaign, has 13 goals and 15 assists. “Christina’s an excellent feeder and is a critical piece to our offense,” said Dwyer, who also starts junior Kaitlyn Rapp (eight goals) on attack.

The defense is anchored by senior captain Courtney Capobianco, who protects the crease in front of senior All-Conference goaltender Taylor Passuello and emerging junior Allie Long. A three-year starter with all the tools, Passuello, a captain, is set to play at the next level at Binghamton. Senior Kerry Flavin is a physical and quick defender, senior Barbara Pepe’s smooth stickwork leads to plenty of clears, and junior Mikayla Klemm plays a hard-nosed style.

The Lady Sailors host Class A foe Massapequa on April 21 at 6:30 p.m.