Hewlett avenges opening defeat

Posted

The second time around the schedule started much better than the first for Hewlett’s girls’ soccer team.

The Bulldogs avenged a 5-2 season-opening loss at Glen Cove with a 2-0 home victory over the Big Red on March 29. Seniors Fallon Zemlyansky and Tori Auerbach notched goals and senior keeper Sarah Morales posted her second shutout in three games.

“We’re just getting to full strength and played well,” coach Gil Kreiss said. “We have a nice group of seniors who have played varsity all four years and are the core of this team.”

The win upped Hewlett’s record to 3-4. Zemlyansky and Auerbach are the starting forwards and compliment each other well. Zemlyansky had four goals through seven games. Auerbach, a lefty, has played everywhere but goalkeeper during her high school career.

In the midfield, seniors Alessandra Borsellino and Ariella Ziarno set the tone. Borsellino is a two-time All-Conference selection and a strong two-way player, Kreiss noted. She has a pair of goals and one assist. Ziarno brings a combination of strength and speed.

Morales returned as the starting keeper and has grown into a leader, the coach said. She missed a few games but has 32 saves on the year, including 8 in the win over Glen Cove.

Hewlett’s boys’ soccer team has been on a roller coaster ride so far, coach Nick Lacetera said. “It’s almost a confidence thing,” he said after a 1-0 loss to Lynbrook on March 26. “Everyone was pumped up after we started to create a lot of chances in the second half. We did everything but score. It was one of those games.”

Through five games, the Bulldogs were 1-2-2. “We might change our formation a little bit to try to generate more offense,” Lacetera said.

Senior goalkeeper Kyle Scallan, who served as the backup in 2019, has done a phenomenal job keeping the Bulldogs in games. “He grew during the offseason and is a great communicator with quick reflexes,” Lacetera said.

The midfield is led by senior Armando Vardaro on the left side. He’s a consistent playmaker who gave Hewlett a 1-1 draw with Valley Stream North with a clutch goal. Junior David Lamour has explosive speed and has spent time in the midfield and sweeper. His younger brother, freshman Matthew Lamour, has fit in nicely, Lacetera said.

Senior Carlos Aguilar is the team’s main offensive threat. “He’s not the biggest kid but has fantastic foot skills,” Lacetera said. On defense, seniors Sam Vanunu and Fletcher Goodman bring size and a physical style.