This afternoon, the girls’ lacrosse team earned their first varsity win in 16 years with a 14-5 PSAA win over Avenues at Randall’s Island Park.

The Bears, playing at the varsity level for the first time since 2006, last earned a varsity victory on May 3, 2003 in a 7-6 win over Westhampton. For years the Bears valiantly battled as the smallest lacrosse school on Long Island, and today got back in the win column to end a 56-game varsity losing streak.

Eighth-grader Ava McCormick led the Bears with 5 goals and 3 assists while winning 10 draw controls to maintain key possession time for the Brook. Morgan Ruggieri (2 goals/ 3 assists), Wura Obasanjo (3 goals), Nadia Hall (2 goals), Shannuel Lamptey (1 goal), and Lulu Ota (1 goal) rounded out a balanced scoring attack that netted the most goals in a game since a 19-9 win over Comsewogue on May 7, 2001. Kate DiRuggiero stopped 4 shots between the pipes to anchor the defense.

With the win, the Bears improve to 1-2 in the league and move into an early three-way tie for second place in the PSAA. The Bears are back in action on Saturday in a home match-up with Columbia Prep at 2:30pm.

Stony Brook wins for the first time since 2003

Eighth-grader Ava McCormick did it all to make sure Stony Brook got back in the win column.

Stony Brook, a varsity program for the first time since 2006, earned a 14-5 win over Avenues thanks to McCormick’s five goals, three assists, and 10 draw controls.

Outfitted in Cascade LX helmets, the Bears dominated Avenues from start to finish. The coach lauded her team’s ability to play both sides of the field, and that should be a strength as the PSAA season continues.

Look out for players such as Elizabeth Robbins and McCormick in the midfield, while Morgan Ruggieri and Wura Obasanjo lead the attack. Margaret DiRuggiero, a junior, anchors the defense.

~ Newsday

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