Yorktown beats Somers

Yorktown used a well-balanced attack to defeat rival Somers, 8-2, in varsity-division action of the Hudson Valley Summer Field Hockey League, where all games are played at Lakeland High School.

The July 13 contest saw Ava Ryan (2G), Lilly Diaz (2G), Anna Burns (2G), Maya Price (1G), Megan Durante (1G) and Sam Conboy (six saves) produce for the Huskers.

“I always love playing Somers no matter the sport or league because of the rivalry between our towns, it is always a fun competition when we face Somers,” Ryan said.  

Leading 3-2 at halftime, Yorktown pulled away from the Tuskers by outscoring them 5-0 in the second half.

“In the second half we really connected as a team with our passes and sends and we focused on the small things to finish plays and score,” Ryan said. 

Yorktown has benefited this summer from playing in the HVSFHL according to Ryan. 

“As an athlete that does not focus on field hockey as much in the off season, this summer league gives our team an opportunity to practice skills and build onto our connections to prepare us for the fall season,” said Ryan, who also plays lacrosse. “The summer league is so much fun and something I look forward to every week.” 

Also on July 13, Lakeland Green earned its own varsity-division victory with a 10-0 win over Mahopac after outscoring the visitors 6-0 in the first half.

“We came out with a lot of energy and confidence,” said Lakeland Green’s Gianna Santini. “We moved the ball well, communicated, and stuck to our game plan from the start. Everyone was working together, which helped us create a lot of scoring opportunities early in the game.” 

Gianna Santini led Lakeland Green with eight goals, followed by Ava Canniff (1G) and Nikki Santini (1G), with Olivia O’Connor playing in goal for the hosts.  

“My teammates did a great job moving the ball and creating opportunities for me throughout the game,” Gianna Santini said. “I was able to take advantage of the open shot to goal and use my hit to score, I stayed composed, and finish my chances. And I was confident in taking the opportunities that were there.” 

The win improved Lakeland Green's record to 5-0.

“We’ve built great chemistry, and everyone is committed to working hard for each other,” Gianna Santini said. “We trust one another, communicate well on the field, and continue to improve every game. Our unselfish play and smart decisions has been a big part of our success so far.” 

Brayden Carney recorded 4 saves for Yorktown JV in its 2-0 loss to Somers JV in the JV/modified division on July 13.  

Another July 13 game saw Sticks and Giggles blank the Grays, 7-0, in open-division action. Charlotte Sabert (2G), Valerie Perkins (2G), Rowan Dapson (1G), Gabby Santini (1G), Nancy Pagliaroli (1G) and Celeste Pagliaroli (five saves) did the honors for the victors.

Jenna Yazzetti tallied 14 saves for the Grays (1-4).  

Action continued on July 15, with Yorktown (4-2-1) winning 10-0 against Mahopac in the varsity division, with Diaz (4G), Price (1G), Alana D’Andraia (1G), Izzy Wilson (1G), Emma Donnelly (1G), Ryan (1G), Durante (1G), and Conboy (1 save) doing the damage for the Huskers (4-2-1).  

Also in the varsity-division on the same night Lakeland Gold (4-0-1) defeated Rye 7-1, with Gabby Goldstein (3G), Meaghan Heyde (2G), Brielle Fertucci (1G), Kendal Williams (1G) and O’Connor (4 saves) doing the honors for the Hornets.  

There were two local JV/Modified games played on July 15, with Madelyn Evangelista scoring in Yorktown JV’s 1-0 win against John Jay-East Fishkill JV. Carney (3 saves) and Gilian Ropke (2 saves) did the job in goal for the Huskers (1-3).          

Caitlin Alleva (2G), Sofia Pikoulas (2G), Canniff (1G), Selena Vazquez (1G), Natalie Armigoda (1G), Bridget O’Connor (1G) and Olivia Vitale (1 save) propelled Hornets 2 JV (4-1-1) to a 8-2 victory against John Jay-Cross River Purple JV.  

Sticks and Giggles (4-1-1) won 8-0 versus Goal Getters (1-3-1) in a July 15 open-division contest, led by Emma Numme (3G), Perkins (2G), Sabert (2G), Dapson (1G), and Celeste Pagliaroli (2 saves).  

Amanda Cimillo (10 saves) and Grace Grant (4 saves) were in goal for Goal Getters.