Julia Glynn helps Manhasset girls retain Nassau B lacrosse title

A spate of season-ending injuries hit the Manhasset girls lacrosse team early this season, a visible reminder for which is its bench now, with a cadre of sidelined superstars.

Would there be a shortage of scoring? Would the defense suffer? Would the team be at all demoralized? Would the Indians' title hopes take a hit?

The short answer to those questions: No. A detailed answer: Julia Glynn.

The midfielder did it all, leading No. 1 Manhasset over third-seeded Wantagh, 15-8, Wednesday as the Indians captured a second straight Nassau Class B title.

Glynn had five goals, four assists and won four draws, in addition to playing sparkling defense. Kathryn Hallet added five goals and had five draw controls.

"Everyone has a role," the senior said, "but I wanted to take it into my hands and make sure this wasn't my last game."

The all-American had three goals in the first four minutes, helping stake Manhasset to a 5-0 lead. And she assisted on the two goals she didn't score. Glynn's jump shot -- a twisting fadeaway off a crease roll -- put the Indians up 6-2 with 13:34 to go before half.

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"Her feeds were on, her shot was going," Hallet said of Glynn. "To say she had an amazing game is an understatement."

As well as it would to simply say Hallet is talented. The speedy midfielder scored four goals in the second half, helping to stave off Wantagh's rally.

"We came out hard from the first whistle and that adrenaline carried throughout," said Emily Koufakis, who had two goals and an assist. Her defense also was key in containing a potent Wantagh attack.

Hallet scored to give Manhasset a 12-3 lead and, with 17:01 remaining, the Indians (16-2) looked every bit the powerhouse ranked fifth in the country by LaxPower.

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"Having that big a lead surprised even us," said goalie Erin Coleman, who made nine saves. "Props to Wantagh, but we came in pumped and with a lot of confidence. We wanted this win badly."

Paige Craig and Madison Conway each scored three goals for the Warriors (12-5). Manhasset, which reached the state semifinals last year, will compete for the L.I. title on Sunday (4:30 p.m.) at Dowling.

"We've done it before, but it's always a great feeling to win a county championship," Hallet said. "At the same time, we can't look too far ahead. This is just one step for us."

And another question answered resoundingly.