Strong start for South Side

Playing in Nassau’s top girls’ lacrosse conference wasn’t a memorable experience for South Side, which now calls Conference IV home after realignment brought the top 10 ranked teams together and grouped the rest by enrollment.

“I like the way the conferences are designed,” Lady Cyclones coach Meaghan Healey said. “We just weren’t making a dent in the top conference. Now we’re playing against teams we’re fighting to make the playoffs.”

South Side won its first three conference games, including a thrilling 14-13 come-from-behind overtime victory at Lynbrook on April 5. Senior Jill Leonard scored the game’s final three goals, including the winner off a takeaway 2:08 into OT to cap a wild comeback. Leonard had seven goals and one assist.

“It was an emotional game,” Healey said. “Our plan was to come out strong, but Lynbrook came out firing on all cylinders. We were a step behind in the first half, but everything clicked in the second half. We did a much better job on the draws and groundballs.”

The Lady Cyclones, who trailed 10-5 at halftime, got a hat trick from junior Bridget Considine and two goals apiece from sophomore Jolie Creo and freshman Julia Gentile. “Jill just took the opportunity and went with it,” Healey said of Leonard, a lefty who plays in the midfield and attack. “She’s strong in traffic and has an accurate shot. She didn’t miss once against Lynbrook.”

Considine is the team’s biggest offensive weapon, Healey said, and is off to a terrific start with three goals in each of the first three games. “Teams have tried denying her the ball, but she’s such a playmaker and a warrior,” Healey said. “She makes a lot of things happen out there.”

Senior Grace Kelleher, who scored twice in a 13-5 victory over Floral Park on April 2 and had a key assist late in the Lynbrook game, brings a powerful shot to the attack position. “Grace is a constant,” Healey said. “We know she’s going to be there and contribute every game.”

The midfield is a blend of youth and veterans. Creo, who spent most of last season at the JV level, has provided quite a jolt to South Side’s transition offense, according to Healey. Creo had six goals and five assists through three games, including a five-point effort against Floral Park. “Jolie has a lot of speed and gets us going from defense to offense,” she said. Senior Kelly O’Sullivan and junior Alex McNicholas, who handles most of the faceoffs, are key pieces in the midfield.

Healey likes the chemistry and experience on defense, with juniors Katherine Parker, Allison Mahoney and Allie Barry, plus senior Bridget Leake, all returning. “It’s their second year working together and some have been on varsity three years,” Healey said. “They slide and communicate well.”

Senior goaltender Paige Hennessey has shown improvement after spending 2015 as the JV starter, and sophomore Gianna Mauro is learning the ropes.    

“We expect to be in the playoffs and make a push for the conference,” Healey added.