They’re calling it the Ottomanelli Empire.
Triot Manelli, a standout midfielder for Garden City lacrosse, played a pivotal role in clinching the woodstick classic title against their long-time rival, Manhasset, for the second consecutive year.
“The tradition of this game is something we really look forward to every year,” said Ottomanelli, a senior who is set to continue her lacrosse career at Harvard next year.
Last season, she scored the overtime winner in a nail-biting 9-8 game. This time, she mentioned it felt more like a “relief” than pure joy, but still managed to score four goals, leading her team to a 12-5 victory.
Interestingly, this final woodstick classic also coincided with Ottomanelli’s 18th birthday, which she described as “the greatest gift.”
“We kept pushing each other, getting better and better, and that excitement really built up leading to this game,” she shared.
The fierce rivalry in lacrosse will soon see her transition to the Ivy League.
“Everyone out there is exceptionally skilled,” Ottomanelli noted. “Being around so many talented individuals with wonderful personalities elevates your game, both on and off the field.”
On the girls’ softball front, the scene is heating up as Port Washington, with a record of 13-4 and a seven-game winning streak earlier this season, prepares to face 11-3 East Rock in an away game.
In baseball, Riverhead is riding a winning wave, now at 12-4, having won their last 10 games. They’ll be looking to keep up that momentum against 6-7 William Floyd in a road match at 4 p.m. on Friday.
