Manhasset girls varsity lacrosse team brings home the NYSPHSAA Trophy
The Manhasset Indians continued their winning ways this season and have become state champs.
The Manhasset girls lacrosse team achieved their mission to win the New York State Class B Championship, starting with the semifinals against Fayetteville-Manlius on Friday, June 8, on the campus of SUNY-Cortland. The Indians fought hard and easily defeated the Hornets 14-8. The Hornets had an overall record of 14-5 with a state ranking of 13.
That set the stage for Manhasset to enter into the finals on Saturday, June 9, against the Brighton Barons from Rochester. Manhasset opened up the first half scoring 3-1. Coming to the field, both teams played tough defense with nobody scoring for nearly nine minutes until Maria Themelis scored the first goal. Play was tight and again it took a long time before the second Manhasset goal was scored by Alex Petras, followed by another goal by Shea Garcia. Brighton’s response was to have Rene Gangarosa score with less than six seconds left in the half.
Manhasset’s Emma Lo Pinto, Themelis and Lauren Yun each scored one in the second half. Brighton managed to score three more goals but could not catch up and the Indians drove in the win.
“Their goalie played exceptionally, exceptionally well,” said Brighton coach Rich Curtis told a local publication. “She even had saves where she kick her foot out and saved the ball.”
“This is one of the best team I have coached at Manhasset High School. There were no Freshman, Sophomores, Juniors or Seniors, just a bunch of kids that loved playing together,” said Coach Danielle Gallagher. “They all thrived in a competitive, fun, challenging environment. They had fun on and off the field. Bus rides were filled with singing, great tunes and lots of laughs. Our season started with a trip to Florida where the team bonded and grew together. A huge Thanks to all of the Parent’s, the Booster Club, the Manhasset Hall of Fame, and every team members fundraising efforts and for helping to make the trip possible.”
The game was a nail biter with Kowalski successfully defending the net and letting her team mates score to win 6-4. The Manhasset goalie, who will be attending University of Pennsylvania, earned the game’s Most Valuable Player honors with her awesome defense of the Manhasset goal forcing 14 turnovers.
Manhasset brought home the title of New York State Champions in girls lacrosse. The last time Manhasset won the state title was four years ago in 2014.
“The chemistry of this team was incredible. Everyone had everyone’s backs on the field. Our team slogan for the year “ONE” says it all. One team, one dream,”said Gallagher. “They loved playing the game. They celebrated with and for each other. We had sideline celebrations filled with exuberance! I was very happy being part of the journey with this group.” Gallagher has coached the team since 2003 and was awarded the NYSPHSAA Coach of the Year Award in 2017.
