Mix of seniors, youth lead VSS

With a starting lineup consisting of two sophomores, four freshmen and an eighth-grader, Valley Stream South is enjoying great success in Nassau Conference AB-V girls’ soccer and enters the stretch run with a shot at the title.

The Lady Falcons, who lost only three conference games in 2015 but won just two, tying five, captured seven of nine so far with zero ties and five shutouts. In their latest victory, 5-1 at home over Malverne/East Rockaway on Sept. 29, freshman Kayla Camacho had a hat trick and one assist, and senior Amanda Guariglia added a goal and an assist.

“The young players have fit right in and stepped up, and our seniors are providing nice leadership,” coach Demetri Adrahtas said. “Beating Locust Valley in the conference opener gave them confidence right off the bat. It showed we’re legit.”

As it turned out, the opener was the fourth of five shutouts in September for newly anointed goalkeeper Natalie Peralta, a sophomore who spent last season at forward and midfield. “Going back a few months ago, I had no clue who our goalie would be,” Adrahtas said. “Natalie had some goalie training in her background and was willing to give it a try. She’s been outstanding. She has good instincts and communicates with the defense really well.”

The decision over Malverne/East Rockaway marked the fourth win in five games for South, which also got a goal from freshman Jessica Sierzega, her fourth of the year to go with two assists. Camacho scored for a fourth straight game and has nine goals and three assists with matchups at Great Neck South, Great Neck North and Oyster Bay remaining. 

“Kayla’s a special offensive player,” Adrahtas said of Camacho, a first-year varsity player who’s twin sister, Allyson, has been a major contributor on defense and in the midfield. “She’s dynamic one-on-one and has a great shot and speed.”

Camacho and junior Caitlyn Lopeck scored and assisted on each other’s goals in South’s 2-0 win over Seaford on Sept. 27. Peralta made six saves for her fifth shutout of the year in front of a defense anchored by sophomore Lindsey Smith and senior captains Alyssa Pellicane and Taylor Santiago.

“Lindsey’s one of the most recruited players on Long Island,” Adrahtas said of Smith, a high-level club player. “She’s the complete package. She’s so smooth in everything she does, and her speed is ridiculous.”

Guariglia, a strong two-way player, leads the Lady Falcons in the midfield. She plays in the center with eighth-grader Yanelia Fernandez, while Sierzega and freshman Christina Hillery work the outside. Senior Karen Lopez and junior Allison Santos operate up front with Kayla Camacho.

Seven Lady Falcons registered at least a point in their 4-0 win over Oyster Bay on Sept. 20 when every goal was assisted. Lopez had a goal and an assist. Camacho, Sierzega and Fernandez also found the net. Guariglia, Lopeck and Santos had assists, and Peralta made five stops.