Wantagh Defeats Seaford in Neighborhood Girls Lacrosse Battle

A major strength of the Wantagh girls lacrosse team’s undefeated start in 2011 has been its many offensive weapons opposing defenses need to concentrate on. That offensive firepower was on full display Wednesday afternoon when the Warriors (7-0) featured six multi-goal scorers in a 18-8 non-league home win over neighborhood rival Seaford (6-3).

Wantagh was led offensively by senior midfielder Sabrina Mattera, who tallied four goals on the same day she signed a letter of intent to  play on the collegiate level at Marist next year. “We’re just focused on really moving the ball around and really working as a team,” said Mattera.

In addition to Mattera, other multi-goal scorers for the Warriors included North Carolina-bound attacker Paula Schmidt (three goals), and two goals apiece from freshman attacker Brenna Connolly, sophomore attacker Colleen Lovett, junior midfielder Allie McClain and junior midfielder Kaleigh Craig.

Seaford was paced offensively by attacker Amelia Taylor with 3 goals and two assists and midfielder Casey Palmer with two tallies. Seaford generated several first half scoring opportunities but hit three posts and trailed 11-4 at halftime. Wantagh senior goalie Kelly Keenan recorded 10 saves and Seaford’s Diana Rice had six stops.

“My kids played really hard,” said Seaford head coach Kurt Dankenbrink. “Wantagh has a lot more depth.”

While Wednesday’s girls lacrosse battle between Wantagh and Seaford was non-league there was still plenty of motivation for both teams because of the close proximity of the schools, which are separated by just 1.6 miles.

“It’s a nice fun rivalry,” said Wantagh head coach Bobbi Colavita. “They played Wantagh/Seaford PAL together so they all know each other.”

Wantagh is next in action at home against Plainedge tomorrow starting at 4:30 p.m. Seaford, which is 3-2 in Conference C, returns to league action tomorrow at Wheatley starting at 4:45 p.m.