Massapequa advances to girls state soccer final

Crunch. Crunch. Crunch.

The Massapequa girls soccer team had to wake up early Saturday morning for their game -- which they won, 2-0, against Clarence in a state Class AA semifinal at Tompkins-Cortland Community College.

Two veterans, Melanie Hingher and Rebecca White, roomed with two rookies, Julia Hannon and Grace Bernardi. As Hingher and White were trying to go to sleep, they heard a strange sound: Crunch. Crunch. Crunch.

"When we shut the lights, all we heard were crunches," White said. "We were like, 'Put the Doritos away!' "

Instead of getting caught with their hands in the cookie jar, the youngsters got caught with their hands in the chip bag.

But that's about the only rookie mistake Hannon and Bernardi have made this season. The two freshman are the starting center midfielders for the two-time defending state champion Chiefs. While their teammates are Cortland regulars, they made their debut yesterday.

"We told them don't be intimidated, because you're one of the best players on the field," Massapequa coach Bruce Stegner said. "Even though you're only in ninth grade."

SEE PHOTOSGirls soccer state semifinals

The ninth-graders dominated the midfield in frigid conditions, advancing the ball offensively and falling back defensively.

"Grace and I are a great combination in the midfield," said Hannon, who has nine goals and 12 assists this season. "We bring footwork, passing and a technical aspect to the game."

Hannon served a perfectly placed corner kick into the box that Hingher deflected in to give Massapequa a 2-0 lead with 13:13 remaining in the first half.

Bernardi hustled across the field to track and win balls. Early in the second half, she charged from midfield to prevent a breakaway.

"I was very nervous but it's such a great experience," said Bernardi, who has three goals and two assists. "It's amazing to be a part of this."

Their teammates are glad they are. "I'm so happy to have them because if we didn't, who knows where we would be," said Hingher, who combined with fellow defenders Bianca Furci, Mikayla Pugliese and Skylar Vitiello to contain Clarence's strikers. "They definitely had a crucial role in getting us back here."

As did the veterans. Marisa Fischetti made a beautiful move in the box to elude a defender before being taken down from behind. On the ensuing penalty kick, Hope Breslin fired a low shot inside the post to give the Chiefs a 1-0 lead with 19:01 to go in the first half.

Massapequa (18-1-1) plays Baldwinsville in the state final Sunday at 3 p.m. at Cortland University.

"I don't know how many people can say that they came to Cortland three times and walked away with three state championships," said White, who made four saves. "I hope we can say that after tomorrow."

With a chance to three-peat, the Chiefs will certainly need their rest. Better hide those Doritos, or else . . . Crunch. Crunch. Crunch.

"I was too loud when I was eating them," Hannon said with a smile. "I'll be quieter this time."