King Scores 100th Career Point in Westhampton’s Win Over Harborfields

You could say Westhampton Beach’s 6-2 win over Harborfields on Thursday, April 27, was just what the doctor ordered.

Not only was it another good team win over a solid opponent, it was the bounce-back the Hurricanes needed following a 9-2 loss to Bayport-Blue Point two days prior.

“It was a game we definitely needed to win,” sophomore midfielder Reese King said. “But now we need to keep that momentum and energy with a few big games left on the schedule.”

King, who earned her 100th career point in the win, finished with a hat trick and an assist, and secured six draw controls, including the opening faceoff of the game.

“Properly timing my cuts when teammates are looking to feed definitely helps me, and it’s always nice to have a multi-goal game and help the team to a win, but we played good team offense,” King said. “And winning the draw led to more offensive opportunities.”

Two of her goals were assisted breaks to goal, while the other was earned on a step-down shot from 20 yards out.

Westhampton (9-2) recorded four goals in the first half while also holding Harborfields (8-5) scoreless across the first 25 minutes.

“We learned a new defense, which we all work very well together in,” said sophomore midfielder and defender Lily Graves, who besides earning crucial time of possession also added two goals and an assist in the April 27 victory.

King called Graves the team’s “unsung hero.”

“She is such a great defender, is amazing at getting ground balls and clearing the ball, is reliable in the draw circle and on offense and has scored some big goals for us,” King said. “She is definitely a big part of our success.”

Also crucial is sophomore goalkeeper Maya Farnan, who picked up 10 saves Friday, and said the stretch of games the team is currently playing will prove beneficial in the long run.

“Sometimes tough regular-season losses can be better for us than wins,” she said. “I think some of those losses, as well as a couple of our wins in close games, have given us experience in competitive environments, and when we play tough teams, they can do a good job of exploiting our weaknesses, which we can then use to work on areas we need to.”

Graves said knowing their goalkeeper can always be trusted helps the team on both sides of the ball, while King added Farnan’s communication has been key. The goalkeeper said her job is made that much easier knowing her teammates and coaches have confidence in what she can do.

“My defense has also done an incredible job working with me this year by forcing bad shots, which can spark fast breaks for us,” Farnan said. “I feel like we’re in a good groove defensively heading toward the end of regular season.”

Graves also touted the Hurricanes’ young, athletic offensive threats that have consistently been able to win 50/50 balls and transition that possession into a settled-down offense.

“Moving the ball quickly and staying spread out is key,” the sophomore said. “We make sure to wait for the perfect opportunity to get the ball in the back of the net.”

One of Graves’s goals was off a free position shot, and the other followed her own ground ball pickup on the 8-yard line.

“It feels great to contribute,” she said. “This win definitely boosts us for our upcoming home games this week.”

Westhampton Beach earned an 8-4 victory over visiting Comeswogue (4-8) on Monday. Senior midfielder and defender Reilly Mahon had five draw controls, four ground balls and two goals to lead the Hurricanes, while King and freshman attack Ava Derby each added two goals. Farnan made eight stops. The team also hosted rival Mt. Sinai (7-4) Wednesday, results of which were not available by press time.

“Mt. Sinai will be a fight, but if we stay strong, composed and play like the great team we are, we can definitely finish with a win,” Graves said. “Especially because it is our senior night, so our energy will be up and we will be ready to play.”

King said she believes her team is right where it needs to be, and Graves agreed.

“We work hard, and believe we have the potential to be back where we were last year,” Graves said. “With that positive energy staying high, we can achieve anything.”

Farnan said no matter who the opponent is, her team will be ready.

“We treat every game the exact same,” the goalkeeper said. “We are a very close group of girls who all have the same goals in mind. We expect to win every time we step on the field.”