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Sports

Trip Works Wonders For Syosset Boys Lacrosse

Maryland trip boosts Braves chemistry; OLMA Lax staying positive despite struggles.

Victory Only Small Part of Maryland Trip for Braves Boys Lacrosse Team

When the Syosset stepped off the team bus after last weekend’s excursion to Pasadena, Maryland, they were one win better than when they left. A 9-4 win over Chesapeake High School on April 16 improved the teams overall record to 5-3 and eliminated the bitter taste of an two days before.

But the game was only a small part of this trip. It was designed to promote team chemistry away from the lacrosse field. By doing this, the hope was a more cohesive unit would take the field in the second half of the season.

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Although the Braves are yet to play a game since returning from Maryland, early signs are positive.

“It’s amazing,” said of the team's newfound togetherness. “We came back Sunday and we’ve been hanging out ever since. I haven’t been with any other friends other than the lacrosse team. It was probably the best bonding we’ve had.”

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Hunter believes that this will do wonders on the field.

“I think our chemistry will be a lot better moving the ball on offense,” Hunter said.

For his part, Hunter scored five goals in the win over Chesapeake.

“It’s cool playing teams we don’t know about,” Hunter said.

The Braves resume conference play on Tuesday at 11 a.m. at

Our Lady of Mercy Lacrosse Remains Strong Through Up and Down Season

In a grouping as competitive as the Catholic AA League, rhythm is a difficult thing to keep. The Our Lady of Mercy Mustangs lacrosse program has found that out first hand this year.

A 13-11 loss to St. John the Baptist on Wednesday dropped the Mustangs record to 3-5, with only one of those victories coming in conference. The inter-conference struggles began with a nail biting 10-7 loss to Kellenberg on March 30. The defeat did little to calm the jitters that season openers often bring.

“The girls were so excited to start the season - I believe nerves got the best of us,” coach Tara Kuhn said. “We struggled with the simple part of the game.”

After starting the year 0-2, Kuhn and her staff went back to basics.

“We have acknowledged our weaknesses and have brought back simple stick work drills at practice,” Kuhn said.  “Our focus is stick work and transition (play). We have seen the improvement.”

OLMA’s most recent win came on April 16 against Maryland’s St. John’s Catholic prep. A 13-12 win saw Courtney Chmil score seven goals.

“Her effort towards loose balls was endless and it showed with her success on offense,” Kuhn said.

But Chmil is hardly the only Mustang making significant contributions this season. Heather Russell, Patricia Takach, Catie Dillon, Amanda and Olivia Walsh have all played well. Russell had six goals and one assist in the Wednesday loss to St. John the Baptist.

Goalie Sarah Diaz has carried the entire load in net for the Mustangs.

“She cannot be replaced,” Kuhn said of her goaltender.

While the inconsistent start is not what Our Lady of Mercy had hoped for, brighter times may be on the horizon. All six Catholic AA teams advance to the postseason. However, the goal remains improving in the regular season.

“Right now, we are focusing our energy on each practice and game we play,” Kuhn said. “We will focus on the playoffs when we get there.”

OLMA will face Kellenberg on Wednesday at 10 A.M.

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