Sayville girls lacrosse's Morgan Farrell scores four goals, helps Golden Flashes bounce back
Sayville's Morgan Farrell and Jenna Messina celebrates Farrell’s goal in the first quarter during a Suffolk girls lacrosse game against host West Islip on Saturday. Credit: Bob Sorensen
The Sayville girls lacrosse team’s 22-game winning streak that extended from last season’s historic state championship run, came to an end on Thursday after falling to Smithtown West. But instead of dwelling on their mistakes, the Golden Flashes got right back to work.
Sayville defeated host West Islip, 10-4, on Saturday morning in a Suffolk Division II matchup.
“We were able to turn the negative into a positive,” coach Gary Jensen said. “We definitely learned a lot of lessons from that loss, and we now have a new mindset.”
West Islip’s Carly Obloj gave her team an early 1-0 lead. But Sophia Buffardi got Sayville on the board less than a minute later, and by the end of the first quarter, the Golden Flashes had a 4-1 lead.
“We were able to move the ball quick and just really work together to find the net,” junior midfielder Olivia DeSimone said. “We were definitely feeding off that energy.”
Sayville midfielder Morgan Farrell scored two goals in the second quarter and sophomore midfielder Dylan McNamara added one. The Golden Flashes held the Lions scoreless in the period.
Farrell, who had four goals, capped the scoring with a penalty shot goal in the fourth. DeSimone had two goals and one assist.
“Both of those kids are so great,” Jensen said. “Their defense turns to offense, they understand the game, and they just make everyone around them better.”
Obloj had three goals for West Islip (1-2). Sayville junior goalie Julia Lilienthal, who made six saves, credited the rest of the Golden Flashes defensive unit.
“Having such an incredible defense in front of me obviously makes my job a lot easier,” Lilienthal said. “We were all talking, which is super important, and they just did a great job.”
One of the biggest changes entering this season was the edition of the shot clock. While other teams may struggle with this adjustment, the Golden Flashes have been able to thrive.
“I think the shot clock helps us,” Jensen said. “On offense, we have such good ball movement. On the defensive side, our defense is so strong, so I think it forces other teams to take chances against us and then we’re ready to pick it off.”
DeSimone said that even though their winning streak might have been broken, they’re ready to attack the rest of the with even more motivation.
“That loss… it was tough, but in a way, it almost felt like it was good for us,” she said. “We’re not perfect, we’re going to make mistakes, but what’s important is how you come back from it. We’re definitely looking towards the future and coming back stronger.”