New York Teams Chasing Championships
It seems like New York sports fans have something to get excited about. The Knicks aren’t the only team making waves; high school teams are also in the spotlight this season.
At Sachem North High School, there’s an infectious energy in the air. The boys’ lacrosse team is set to play in the Long Island Championship for the first time since 1995, while the girls’ softball team is in the same boat, competing in their championship for the first time since 1993.
“Things always seem to happen in games like these,” said men’s lacrosse coach Anthony Muratore after a practice this Wednesday. He noted that his players have picked up on the positive atmosphere surrounding them.
Senior midfielder Henry Salo expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “It’s amazing to achieve this while the Knicks are also competing for a championship.”
The excitement has been palpable throughout the campus, especially after the boys defeated the top-ranked Northport, 11-7, and the girls edged out Commack, 4-3, in their respective Suffolk County Championships.
Senior pitcher Dani Brennan shared how supportive the faculty has been, stating, “All the teachers come up to me and give me high-fives and fist bumps.” She added that her friends are rallying everyone to come to the games, creating an air of collective excitement.
Celebration in the 90s Style
Interestingly, the lacrosse players and softball players have been cross-training, with both teams celebrating their county titles together, which has only fueled their momentum as they approach the Long Island championships.
“It’s nice that we are going through this together. It would be something special if we both come away with wins this Saturday,” Salo remarked.
As luck would have it, both teams will be up against Massapequa. The Massapequa team has its own championship aspirations, having narrowly lost to Half Hollow Hills 15-14 in last year’s contest, while the girls’ team clinched a 2-1 victory over Riverhead in a dramatic overtime win.
Despite their different histories, the Sachem Arrows are ready to confront the Chiefs head-on. “It’s going to be an electrifying match. We’ve got another week of practice to prepare,” junior attacker John Calabria explained.
With seasoned players like Salo and Calabria, along with others such as attacker Steven Castellano and goaltender Patrick “Pork Chop” Gundry, the team is attempting to shift the narrative from previous playoff experiences.
Gundry expressed the difficulty they faced, saying, “Not many believed in us heading into the county finals.”
Grandley joined in, adding that the young talent on the team is promising, and they all want to bring pride back to Sachem.
A Lighter Touch in Softball
The softball squad takes a different approach. Their vibe is more lighthearted, and they often joke, “All gas, no brakes,” which, according to Brennan, isn’t about speed but rather grows out of camaraderie.
“We bond through laughter, which helps us stay focused and supportive,” she mentioned.
Coach Ken Sasso and his staff have made a notable impact beyond the typical high school dynamics. “They really understand what we’re going through, even after tough school days,” Brennan said, holding back emotions.
Senior shortstop Vera Kriklava articulated what separates this year’s team from those in previous decades saying, “The family ties mean a lot, especially for my last year.”
Interestingly, unlike the Knicks, both Sachem teams were undefeated in the 90s, which some view as a promising omen for their upcoming matches.
“Winning would mean everything,” Kriklava added earnestly.
High Stakes Ahead
Massapequa is determined to stake their claim and prove their dominance against Sachem, drawing on their rich history while acknowledging the rivalry.
Coach Kevin Catalano’s lacrosse team is eager to redeem past shortcomings and leverage their experience against Massapequa this weekend. “It’s all about confidence and composure,” he noted after securing a commanding win over Syosset.
“When the game takes unexpected turns, we need to maintain control of our emotions,” he added, focusing on the technical aspects of their gameplay.
Meanwhile, the softball team has had an emotional journey back to the Long Island title, especially after overcoming a challenging series against Oceanside. Coach Christina Castellani thinks this victory adds even more significance to their championship run.
Castellani, reflecting on the hard work her team has put in, expressed no concerns about their offense, stating, “Our lineup has been solid, and our pitchers are ready.”
Overall, Massapequa enjoys a successful season across various sports, and Castellani can feel that energy radiating from her team. “The excitement is through the roof,” she said.
