Sheila Mullins, Rory Heslin score in shootout to give Garden City field hockey win over Manhasset
Marie Cacciabaudo, right, battles for possession of the ball for Garden City during the field hockey game against Manhasset, Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2022. Credit: Newsday/Carissa Kellman
In a clash of Nassau County field hockey powerhouses, it came down to a penalty shootout between Garden City and host Manhasset on Wednesday.
After a scoreless regulation led to a scoreless 10-minute overtime, Garden City's Sheila Mullins and Rory Heslin took deep breaths before taking their turns in the shootout.
They both found the back of the net, giving No. 2 Garden City a 2-0 victory over No. 1 Manhasset in a contest between the top two teams in Nassau I. The Trojans (11-1) atoned for their only loss earlier this season to Manhasset (11-1). Garden City goalkeeper Mackenzie Wehrum posted the shutout.
“There was so much adrenaline,” Heslin said. “But once Sheila scored, it gave me the ultimate composure and confidence. I took my time to analyze where the goalie was and then placed my shot.”
“This is a day that we were anxiously awaiting,” Garden City coach Lauren Lavelle said. “We decided not to look at that loss as a negative thing, but as a positive thing. We knew what we needed to improve on to get this win.”
Senior midfielder Marie Cacciabaudo played a fierce game for the Trojans. She dribbled on angles and used the width of the field to keep the ball out of Manhasset's possession.
But most of the time, it looked like it could have been anyone’s game.
“I think we had our opportunities in regulation and overtime,” Manhasset coach Steve Sproul said. “Going into the shootout, we were slightly winded and it gave them an advantage.”
Last season, the two teams met in the county final with Garden City prevailing 2-1 in overtime. Mullins scored the winning goal.
“Tonight’s win definitely gives us a lot more confidence going into the playoffs,” Mullins said.
