MacArthur seeks playoff run

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MacArthur’s girls’ lacrosse team is making strides this spring with an eye on taking that next step as a program.

The Lady Generals have marched out to a 9-2 start and scored double digits in each win. With the regular season hitting the stretch run, head coach Dan Agovino hopes for continued progression to set the team up for a playoff run in a challenging Class B.

“Our goal is to compete at the next level,” said Agovino, who took over for longtime coach Janine Bridgewood when she went on maternity leave. “I think we are heading in the right direction.”

Senior midfielder Caitlyn Buckley has stepped up in her final year of high school lacrosse with 37 goals and 17 assists through the Generals’ first 11 games to lead the team in points. Buckley, who will play college soccer at Sacred Heart, has also helped set up transition opportunities from the draw control circle.

MacArthur has also been led on offense by junior attacker Erin Vaughan Ware, who has scored 29 goals to go along with 19 assists. Vaughan Ware, who has been on varsity since eighth grade, tallied her 200th career point in a 16-7 win against Carey on April 14.

“She is a tremendous finisher,” Agovino said of Vaughan Ware, who earned All County honors last year and has committed to play on collegiate level at Mercy College. “Her assists have also increased tremendously.”

Buckley and Vaughan Ware are among multiple offensive threats opposing defenses need to focus on. Junior midfielder Katelyn Politi has tallied 43 points including two hatricks in victories against Jericho and Carey. Senior midfielder Arianna Montefusco has produced four games of three or more goals including five in a 17-9 win versus Bellmore-Kennedy on April 4. Attackers Angeline Klein and Payton Napoli along with midfielder Tara Brophy have also been forces close to the net with freshman Marisa Misuraca contributing on draw controls.

“On offense the biggest strength is we have so much depth,” Agovino said. “Almost all of our offensive players on the midfield have scored a goal.”

Despite MacArthur’s strong offensive output, Agovino said the key to MacArthur’s strong start has been its defense led by defenders Casey Barrett and Caitlyn Elia along with goalie Katie Elkowitz. The three seniors have led a defensive unit that has held opponents to single digits in all but two games. Elkowitz recorded nine saves in a 15-9 win against Bethpage last Friday.

“We have three core defensive players who set the tone,” Agovino said. “They are tough aggressive players.”

MacArthur is next in action on Monday at home under the lights against Herricks for a 6:45 p.m. opening draw. The Generals close the regular season with a non-league game at cross-town rival Division on May 9 at 7 p.m.

Vaughan Ware said she played with many of her teammates in the Levittown Police Activity League growing up, which has helped foster team chemistry on and off the field. “We have bonded so well this year,” she said. “I see tremendous improvement.”