Lynbrook relies on offensive effort

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While its revamped defense works to find its groove, Lynbrook’s offense has given its Nassau Conference II girls’ lacrosse opponents plenty of fits so far thanks to a wide range of weapons.

The Owls posted double digits in goals in each of their first four games, winning three, and coach Vin Tetro is excited about the potential for more as the season unfolds. “We only had three full practices with the entire team before the first game,” he said. “Now we’re finally in a solid flow and getting better every day. The defense is a work in progress and will improve with experience. In the meantime, the offense is clicking.”

Senior Jenna Hendrickson is the lynchpin of the offense after a stellar 2019 campaign that saw her register 73 goals and earn All-County honors. A midfielder with a high skill set who has dominated draw controls, she’s set to compete at the D1 level at the University of Pittsburgh. “Jenna’s one of the smoothest players you’ll see,” Tetro said. “She plays at a different speed and has a hard, accurate shot.”

Also one of Lynbrook’s six captains, Hendrickson had an all-around spectacular game May 11 to lead the Owls to a 13-8 win over Port Washington on the turf at Marion Street Elementary. She had a hat trick, three assists and won 12 of 18 draws. Her partners in crime in the midfield, senior captains Maggie Bodian (three) and Marti Candel, and sophomore Caityblu Cavassa (two) combined for six goals. Bodian does a lot of the dirty work between the 30-yard lines, Tetro said. The speedy Candel is a gritty defender, while Cavassa handles any draw Hendrickson doesn’t.

The attack up front is led by the leadership of senior captain Mason Benvenuto, a member of the varsity since 2018. “She’s our rock on attack and we fully trust her with the ball,” Tetro noted. Sophomores Sara Curley and Mimi Berkowitz are “working phenomenally together on the right side,” the coach added, and performing well above their age. Berkowitz had four goals and two assists, and Curley added three goals and two assists in a 16-14 win over East Meadow on May 7. “They can both score and feed and they’ve got a great work ethic,” Tetro said.

The defense, which played its best game so far in a 10-9 victory over Locust Valley on May 4, is anchored by senior captain Camilla Bahri. “She’s vocal and has a very high lacrosse IQ,” Tetro said.

In goal, the Owls have plenty of experience in three-year starter Madi Marchetta. The senior captain was lights-out against Locust Valley with 19 saves. Tetro called it the best performance of her high school career.

“The conference we’re in is unpredictable,” Tetro said. “Every game will be a battle.”