Lady Cyclones 2-0 Win Secures Undefeated Conference Record

After blowing out opponents by nearly double digits all season long, the South Side Lady Cyclones faced its second straight closely contested and physical match-up on Tuesday, pulling out a 2-0 win over Hewlett.

Senior Kelsey Gregerson, who played for senior co-captain Jacqueline Cifarelli, scored both goals for the Lady Cyclones. On her first score, Gregerson took a cross from freshman Kelsey Ford that deflected off a defender, and smashed a one-timer passed a diving Sarah Herzberg. On her second goal — only two minutes later — Herzberg allowed junior Julie Beyar's shot to rebound off her, and Gregerson was there to put the rebound into the back of the net.

"That is just how Kelsey plays all of the time," head coach Shannon McEntee said. "She's a follow-up player, she just gets rebounds and puts them in the net."

This game was a far cry from their season-opening match-up against Hewlett, when South Side won handily, 5-0, at home. On Tuesday, Hewlett used its home field to its advantage, as they played on a smaller field, and the Lady Cyclones struggled to spread out on offense.

Bulldogs coach Gil Kreiss said he was pleased with what he saw from his team against such a quality opponent.

"We've gotten much better over the season, we had our eyes wide open against South Side the first time, it was our first game," he said. "We were able to keep them more contained on our field.  We need to work on our finishing, we know we can defend anyone if we keep South Side to two goals."

As South Side prepares for a playoff run, these physical league games, first against Plainedge and now the Bulldogs (6-5-1), can only help prepare the Lady Cyclones to defend their state championship title.

In its last two games, South Side faced raucous crowds and ultra-physical teams who tried to impose their will on the Lady Cyclones (12-1-1, 12-0). As her team gears up for the postseason, McEntee said she is glad they're facing stronger competition during the stretch run.

"These games are great for us to have here at the end of the season," McEntee said. "I like these more challenging games – especially for us going into the playoffs."