Pierson Field Hockey Picks Up Pair of Shutout Wins

The Pierson field hockey team picked up its first wins of the season at the end of last month, beating Southold/Greenport, 2-0, at home on September 23 before a 5-0 win at Babylon three days later. Combined with a 5-0 home loss to Sayville on September 28, the Whalers moved to 2-8 in Division II with three games left in the season.

In the win over Greenport, sophomore midfielder Shelby Casey had a goal and an assist while junior forward Izzy Farcas added a goal and freshman forward Lochlyn Craig had an assist.

Casey scored twice in the win over Babylon, while Craig, Lola Eldridge and Bella Eldridge each had a goal. Junior midfielder Cali Wilson and senior midfielder Eva McKelvey added assists.

Goalie Grace D’Angelo earned the shutout wins in both games.

First-year head coach Laura DeSario said she liked what she saw from her young team in the wins.

“In both the Greenport and Babylon games, the entire team was working together,” she said. “Their small game was exceptional, working give and go’s to transition the ball down field. Our speed and power was capitalized on as well with players like Eva and Cali using their strength and precision to get the ball through the defense to our forward line. We also created a sense of urgency in the circle. Our sticks were down and we were persistent in placing shots in the goal cage. Each goal was truly a team effort.”

DeSario said the team has come a long way since the start of the season, growing and learning despite coming out on the losing end of its games until the recent wins.

“We came together for the first time in August with a lot of unknowns,” she said, pointing out the team was dealing with a new coach and the loss of six seniors to graduation. “However, there has been nothing but positivity from day one. Our juniors and seniors have taken on various leadership roles and serve as role models. With such a small roster and no JV program, many underclassmen were thrust into key varsity roles, which was an adjustment for sure. But each and every one has risen to the responsibility with such tremendous effort.

“The players have adjusted and adapted and they’re playing better and more cohesively with each contest,” she added.

DeSario said she was unsure if the Whalers would qualify for the Class C playoffs. Pierson was scheduled to visit Southampton on October 6 for a 6 p.m. game and will host Bayport-Blue Point on October 10 for a 4:30 p.m. game before finishing the regular season at home against Shoreham-Wading River on October 16 at 5 p.m.

If they advance to the Class C playoffs, the Whalers would compete in the county ‘C’ championship on Monday, October 30.