Girls Lacrosse has unforgettable playoff journey

Playoffs, the pinnacle of excitement and anticipation, marked the culmination of the tireless dedication shown by the Garden City Girls Varsity Lacrosse Team. Throughout the winter and spring, the players dedicated a tremendous amount of time to ensure they were fully prepared for their playoff season.

After the victory over Mepham in the Class B semi-final, Garden City took on Long Beach for the Nassau County Class B Championship game. The rematch was highly anticipated, especially after last year’s intense encounter where Garden City secured a last-second victory with less than 5 seconds left in regulation. Garden City had already played Long Beach during the regular season, resulting in a 13-7 win for Garden City, however this playoff for the Nassau County title was intense and nothing like their first match-up. The game was held at Adelphi University on Thursday, June 1, and the atmosphere was electric. Junior midfielder Kendal Morris, alongside teammates Marie Cacciabaudo and Tori Ottomanelli, dominated on the cir- cle with an impressive display of skill and determination. As the game progressed, Garden City and Long Beach exchanged goals, creating an intense battle for victory. At halftime, Garden City held a narrow lead of 6-5, showcasing the strength and resilience of their defensive unit led by junior defender Mabel Overbeck and goalkeeper Niamh Pfaff. The defense for both teams played with intensity during the second half knowing that one small mistake could cost them their chance at the Long Island Championship. With less than two minutes remaining in regulation, Marie Cacciabaudo’s pass found Kendal Morris, who scored the game-winning goal, securing a thrilling 9-8 victory. This remarkable triumph crowned Garden City as the Class B Nassau County Champions, inspiring pride and joy among the team and their dedicated fans.

Only three days later, on June 4, Garden City returned to Adelphi University to face off against West Islip in the Class B Long Island Championship. The team’s determination and relentless spirit were palpable