Balanced lineup leads Clarke

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As the regular season winds down, the Clarke field hockey team finds itself as one of the best in Nassau Conference I. The Lady Rams currently have a 9-2 overall record, including 8-2 against conference opponents.

Clarke head coach Leslie Murray has been very pleased with her team’s effort this season, and says they have consistently performed well in all areas of the game.

“Our attack is very strong, and from the midfield to the defense we just seem to be very balanced this year,” Murray said. “It’s nice to see, because we have a lot of new players that are in starting spots this year. It’s really been a combination of good attack and really strong defense.”

Clarke began the season with a thrilling 1-0 win over Locust Valley, in which the Lady Rams scored the go-ahead goal in the final two minutes of the game to grab the victory. The following week, Murray’s team came away with another key early season road win, when it defeated New Hyde Park 1-0, in a game that was settled in a shootout. 

After that win Clarke was able to reel off seven more victories in a row. During their win streak, the Lady Rams scored five goals or more four different times. 

The team’s offense has been led by attackers Julia Cavaluzzi, Bailey McNamara, and Jessica Gibaldi. Cavaluzzi has registered six goals and six assists this season, putting her among the Conference I point leaders. McNamara and Gibaldi are not far behind her, each scoring six goals.

Clarke’s defense has also been a big reason for the team’s strong showing. Defenders like Lexi Zaino, Kaliann Perry, and Lauren Keller have made life difficult for opposing offenses.

Murray’s team has also benefited from fantastic goaltending this fall. After taking last year off, Diana Schmitt returned to the Lady Rams in her senior season, and has been an anchor in net for her team. She has made 67 saves, the second most in the conference.

“She’s been doing an outstanding job in goal,” Murray said. “It’s been really nice to have her back.”

The Lady Rams have put together a memorable regular season to this point, and Murray hopes they can carry their high level of play into the postseason. One of their biggest wins came Oct. 8 against Friends Academy. Gibaldi, Zaino and Michelle Barahona all scored in a shootout after the teams played to a 1-1 tie in regulation. Gibaldi scored in the first half off a pass from McNamara. Schmitt had 11 saves.

“I definitely see us making the playoffs, and I’m hoping we’ll be at home in the first round,” Murray said. “We’ve been playing really well, so I’m hoping we can go far in the playoffs.”