West Hempstead figures to contend

Led by Nassau County’s leading goal scorer from a year ago, West Hempstead seeks a fifth trip to the Class A girls’ soccer playoffs in six years under coach Mike Scaturro.

The Lady Rams, who last season captured the Conference A-III title and eliminated Valley Stream South in the first round of the playoffs before falling to New Hyde Park in the quarterfinals on penalty kicks, brought back seven starters and opened with a 6-2 non-league victory over Oyster Bay.

“Last year we earned the highest playoff seed [fourth] we’ve ever gotten and hopefully it’ll become the norm,” Scaturro said. “We’re in a tough conference, but we’ve got a nice rotation going and we should be back [in the playoffs].”

Leading the charge for West Hempstead is senior forward Olivia Czavar, who poured in 24 goals last fall to lead the county and picked up where she left off with two goals and two assists against Oyster Bay. The five-year varsity player earned Conference Player of the Year, All-County, and Second Team All-State honors. “She’s always in the right place at the right time and has a strong, accurate shot,” Scaturro said. “I’m not sure if any teams will want to double her because of what else we’ve got up front.”

The lightning speed of sophomore forward Nina Boria will make opponents think twice of focusing solely on Czavar. Boria had a pair of goals in the opener as well. “Nina’s so dangerous,” Scaturro said. “She gets by defenders and can help keep them back a few steps because of her speed.”

Skillful junior center-midfielder Nia Jones is a returning starter and one of the keys to the transition offense. Sophomore Jamie Rodriguez assumes the other starting role in the center after contributing on varsity a year ago. On the outside, sophomore Taylor Freiermuth has “all the tools,” Scaturro said, and “scored big goals last year as a freshman.” She brings athleticism and tenacity, while sophomore Brittani Schimmenti is a threat to let one fly with either foot.