Massapequa Girls Lacrosse: 2011 Season Preview

The Massapequa  Chiefs lacrosse team has a knack for being able to get back to the Nassau County Championship game time and time again. Unfortunately for them, so does rival Farmingdale, who have topped the Chiefs in the game for five straight years.

Massapequa last won the county title in 2005 where they defeated that same Lady Dalers team and are gearing up for another run under seventh-year head coach Megan Zimmer.

“We should be strong this year after bringing back our whole attack and midfield, so we do expect to go to the championship again and hopefully come out on top,” Zimmer said. “It has been a couple of years since we’ve won it, but Farmingdale is always tough so we are looking forward to it.”

Massapequa finished last season with a 10-6 record and another runner-up finish in Nassau County and will compete in Conference A-I again this season. The Chiefs graduated much of their starting defense from 2010, including Kim Seckler, Jackie Tierney and Melissa Gaetano, as well as starting goalie Victoria Zorovich.

Senior co-captain and lead defender Keri Giaquinto will be looked at to revamp a new look defensive unit this year.

“We’re working on having good chemistry. If we continue our hard work, then I think it should lead to a chance at the county title,” Giaquinto said. “On defense, the girls who have come back are just trying to help the new girls. We have been working really well together and it is looking really good.”

Behind Giaquinto and the defense is the other senior co-captain, goalie Christina Fiorinelli, who will be looked at to be the voice and a team leader.

“This year, our offense is back and I feel we came in much more improved and have been working and putting heart into our practice,” Fiorinelli said. “I love to communicate with my teammates and tell them where the ball is at all times.”

Other key players headlining the Massapequa offense are returning All-County midfielder, sophomore Danielle Doherty and an All-Conference attack, junior Kelsey O’Brien. Junior  midfielder Madalyn Pimental and junior attack Rory Sadoff will also be incremental for the Chiefs success.

Massapequa will play Farmingdale in their regular season finale at home on May 11th. These two teams know each other all too well, and in 2011, the Chiefs will be looking to change the latest trend.

“A lot of it is mental against them because we have the ability to beat them,” Zimmer said. “We just need to push ourselves everyday to prepare for a potential county game and hopefully be successful this year.”

Aside from the Dalers, Massapequa will also match up in their league with Hickville, Syosset, Baldwin, Oceanside, Port Washington and Calhoun. 

The Chiefs defeated East Meadow, 14-5, in their league opener on March 21st to follow up a loss in their season opener to West Islip, 13-10. They also lost to Manhasset on Friday 13-5.