Confident Katelyn Murtha, Eastport-South Manor field hockey prevail
Eastport-South Manor midfielder Katelyn Murtha, left, tries to defend against Rocky Point midfielder Kylie Lamoureux (one goal) in Suffolk Division II field hockey on Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024. Credit: George A Faella
The Eastport-South Manor field hockey team might have graduated five of last year's starters, but it’s what the underclassmen learned from them that still remains. Confidence.
Even after trailing following the first half, the Sharks used this confidence to come back to defeat host Rocky Point, 3-1, in the Suffolk II matchup on Wednesday night.
“The girls we lost were big players for us, they helped us get a county championship,” sophomore Katelyn Murtha said. “They had a lot of confidence with the ball, and that’s something we all looked up to and have taken from them going into this season.”
The win didn’t come easy. Rocky Point’s (5-3) Kylie Lamoureux got scoring started with four minutes left in the first quarter after slipping through a pack of Eastport-South Manor defenders and finding her way to the net. Rocky Point held possession for the majority of the first half, shutting out the Sharks until the halftime whistle blew.
“Our defense was missing,” coach Ann Naughten said. “I thought we were really sloppy and (Rocky Point’s) offense was completely dominating us. At halftime, I told them ‘We’re better than how we’re playing and we need to step it up.’ ”
Freshman midfielder Lexi Quiery would be that person to “step up.”
With 9:25 left in the third quarter, Murtha found Quiery’s stick right in front of the goal, putting the Sharks on the board and tying the score.
“It gave them the confidence they needed,” Naughten said. “We always have close games with Rocky Point, so I think finally getting one in helped them believe in themselves and show them they’re still in it.”
Just a few minutes later, the Sharks were able to take the lead. Quiery assisted junior midfielder Kate Valenti, who was able to tap the ball into the goal despite being surrounded by defenders.
“I got the ball and everyone was just kind of piled in the middle and the goalie was on the ground,” Valenti said. “I just flicked it in.”
She added a second goal in the final two minutes to seal Eastport-South Manor’s victory.
“I’m so happy she scored two goals because she’s usually the one passing the ball,” Naughten said. “I’m really proud of her for finishing for us.”
Eastport-South Manor improves to 7-2, and they’re looking to keep hold of that Suffolk B title.
“Winning another county championship would be great,” Valenti said. “But since we lost in the Long Island’s last year, we’re ready for another chance at that too.”
