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FREEDOM PLAINS – These athletes aren't unlike most other teenagers, having gotten into such a habit of sending videos to their peers, they'll even interrupt meals and leisure time to do so.
Except in this instance, it's not comedic Instagram skits or TikTok snippets being messaged, but footage of themselves practicing lacrosse skills on their own.
"We have a routine where they have to record themselves doing wall-ball sequences, and they’re even doing it during pasta parties," Arlington coach Elizabeth Battistoni said of her team taking "pics or didn't happen" to another level.
"They're putting in a ton of effort outside of practice, working on their stick skills and shots," she continued. "It's made a difference."
Quite the difference, considering the Admirals already have doubled their win total from last season and the weather isn't even warm yet.
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"It feels so good," midfielder Aileen Keevins said of Arlington having its best start since 2016. "In past years, we didn't always come into a season with the best mindset. But now, because everyone has done their part, we're feeling more confident."
So much so that, even when faced with the possibility of giving up a dramatic tying goal, the pervading thought among the group was that Arlington certainly would've won in overtime.
No need, though. Maya Thomas lunged to her right and made a stick save, deflecting a low liner to thwart a free-position shot as time expired, allowing the girls lacrosse team to escape Wednesday with an 11-10 win over Mahopac.
"I was definitely nervous," Thomas admitted, "but I knew, in my heart, that we've come far so there's no reason not to believe in ourselves. I told myself, 'I got this!'"
She did, offsetting a defensive penalty that resulted in Mahopac's Erin Harney being awarded an 8-meter opportunity with six seconds left and a clear opening toward the goal.
"Maya has come through for us a lot," senior Grace McGann said, "so there's no reason to think she couldn't get another big save."
McGann also came through, scoring the deciding goal. Positioned near the crease, she received a high pass and finished a one-timer that gave the Admirals an 11-9 lead with 4:39 remaining.
But the Wolfpac answered, pulling to within 1 on Ashley Koch's goal with 2:56 left then forcing a shot clock violation to create their last possession.
Sophia Rescigno had three goals, an assist and seven second-half draw controls for Arlington (6-1). The sophomore scored the go-ahead goal early in the fourth, dodging a defender on the left wing before firing from eight yards.
With the "feels like" temperature hovering around 30 degrees, coupled with a persistent wind, the teams were locked in a tense competition while dealing with intense conditions.
"You feel it and it does take a toll," Rescigno said. "But you need to have the mentality like, 'We're all playing in this, so the other team is feeling it, too."
Aileen Keevins had two goals, four assists, two caused turnovers and three groundball recoveries. Jackie Owens scored twice, and Kailie DiVestea, Lyla DeGregorio and Emma Grundig each added a goal. Rachel Lawrence forced two turnovers.
Amanda Mauro, Danielle Petrillo, Lizzy Keevins and Shannon Davenport anchored a defense that slowed Koch and Harney. Thomas made seven saves, including a free-position stop that held the lead with 6:41 left. Aileen Keevins, Lawrence and Rescigno helped create several quality shot opportunities.
Mahopac erased an early 3-0 deficit, led briefly in the second quarter, and knotted it twice in the third. Gianna Cirelli's goal sent them to the fourth quarter tied at 9.
Gianna DeVito had two goals and three assists for Mahopac (0-6). Harney added three goals and Koch scored four and won five drawl controls.
Arlington had five wins in its previous two seasons combined and had lost its last two games to Mahopac by an average margin of 14 goals. But the tables, and perhaps the tide, have turned.
"These girls have been resilient and they've handled pressure situations," Battistoni said of her team, whose only loss was to Clarkstown South in overtime. "They deserve to have success. They're focused, willing to challenge themselves and each other, and put in the work."
And there's video evidence.
Stephen Haynes: [email protected]; 845-437-4826; Twitter: @StephenHaynes4
This article originally appeared on Poughkeepsie Journal: Girls lacrosse: Thomas, Rescigno help upstart Arlington edge Mahopac
Continue reading...
Except in this instance, it's not comedic Instagram skits or TikTok snippets being messaged, but footage of themselves practicing lacrosse skills on their own.
"We have a routine where they have to record themselves doing wall-ball sequences, and they’re even doing it during pasta parties," Arlington coach Elizabeth Battistoni said of her team taking "pics or didn't happen" to another level.
You must be registered for see images attach
"They're putting in a ton of effort outside of practice, working on their stick skills and shots," she continued. "It's made a difference."
Quite the difference, considering the Admirals already have doubled their win total from last season and the weather isn't even warm yet.
Boogie fever: Reynes stars as upstart Roosevelt dances to an encouraging start
'For Conrad': Wappingers lacrosse honors coach who died of cancer with fundraiser games
"It feels so good," midfielder Aileen Keevins said of Arlington having its best start since 2016. "In past years, we didn't always come into a season with the best mindset. But now, because everyone has done their part, we're feeling more confident."
You must be registered for see images
So much so that, even when faced with the possibility of giving up a dramatic tying goal, the pervading thought among the group was that Arlington certainly would've won in overtime.
No need, though. Maya Thomas lunged to her right and made a stick save, deflecting a low liner to thwart a free-position shot as time expired, allowing the girls lacrosse team to escape Wednesday with an 11-10 win over Mahopac.
"I was definitely nervous," Thomas admitted, "but I knew, in my heart, that we've come far so there's no reason not to believe in ourselves. I told myself, 'I got this!'"
You must be registered for see images attach
She did, offsetting a defensive penalty that resulted in Mahopac's Erin Harney being awarded an 8-meter opportunity with six seconds left and a clear opening toward the goal.
"Maya has come through for us a lot," senior Grace McGann said, "so there's no reason to think she couldn't get another big save."
McGann also came through, scoring the deciding goal. Positioned near the crease, she received a high pass and finished a one-timer that gave the Admirals an 11-9 lead with 4:39 remaining.
You must be registered for see images attach
But the Wolfpac answered, pulling to within 1 on Ashley Koch's goal with 2:56 left then forcing a shot clock violation to create their last possession.
Sophia Rescigno had three goals, an assist and seven second-half draw controls for Arlington (6-1). The sophomore scored the go-ahead goal early in the fourth, dodging a defender on the left wing before firing from eight yards.
With the "feels like" temperature hovering around 30 degrees, coupled with a persistent wind, the teams were locked in a tense competition while dealing with intense conditions.
You must be registered for see images attach
"You feel it and it does take a toll," Rescigno said. "But you need to have the mentality like, 'We're all playing in this, so the other team is feeling it, too."
Aileen Keevins had two goals, four assists, two caused turnovers and three groundball recoveries. Jackie Owens scored twice, and Kailie DiVestea, Lyla DeGregorio and Emma Grundig each added a goal. Rachel Lawrence forced two turnovers.
Amanda Mauro, Danielle Petrillo, Lizzy Keevins and Shannon Davenport anchored a defense that slowed Koch and Harney. Thomas made seven saves, including a free-position stop that held the lead with 6:41 left. Aileen Keevins, Lawrence and Rescigno helped create several quality shot opportunities.
You must be registered for see images attach
Mahopac erased an early 3-0 deficit, led briefly in the second quarter, and knotted it twice in the third. Gianna Cirelli's goal sent them to the fourth quarter tied at 9.
Gianna DeVito had two goals and three assists for Mahopac (0-6). Harney added three goals and Koch scored four and won five drawl controls.
Arlington had five wins in its previous two seasons combined and had lost its last two games to Mahopac by an average margin of 14 goals. But the tables, and perhaps the tide, have turned.
"These girls have been resilient and they've handled pressure situations," Battistoni said of her team, whose only loss was to Clarkstown South in overtime. "They deserve to have success. They're focused, willing to challenge themselves and each other, and put in the work."
And there's video evidence.
Stephen Haynes: [email protected]; 845-437-4826; Twitter: @StephenHaynes4
This article originally appeared on Poughkeepsie Journal: Girls lacrosse: Thomas, Rescigno help upstart Arlington edge Mahopac
Continue reading...
