Lady Cyclones seek another title

Triskaidekaphobia is the fear of No. 13. 

South Side girls’ soccer coach Judi Croutier says she’s superstitious but isn’t about to get caught up in the fact the Lady Cyclones are seeking a 13th straight Nassau Class A championship.

“It’s just a one and a three,” Croutier said of the No. 13. “Each year is different. It’s a new group of kids, and the teams we’re playing all have a new group of kids. We don’t like to look too far down the road.”

Croutier, who has guided South Side to seven consecutive Long Island titles and four state crowns in five years, kept 29 players on varsity for a second straight season. The team opened 2009 with a 1-1 Conference I tie against Garden City last Friday night as part of the season kickoff extravaganza at Skelos Sports Complex.

“A big roster has plusses and minuses,” said Croutier, who has 10 seniors, 10 juniors, six sophomores and three freshmen. “They’re always competing for playing time and we can have a full scrimmage in practice. It also helps when we have injuries and illness like last year. The biggest negative is not everyone can play every game.”

The Lady Cyclones have talent and experience all over the field. The defense returns three starters, including last year’s MVP Jackie Nicholas, a senior. A three-year starter and All-County selection last fall, she’s not only a shutdown defender but also contributes offensively. “She’ll mark the opponent’s best player,” Croutier said of Nicholas, who is no stranger to the midfield. Also back in the fold is senior Emily Slome, a solid marker with speed, and sophomore Julie Beyar, a steady sweeper. Senior Emma Kriss is a leading candidate to round out the defense after spending most of last season in the midfield. Her tenacity is tough for opponents to match.