Colts Hang Tough But Can’t Knock Off Eagles

Andrew Wroblewski

awroblewski@longislandergroup.com

Angelique Chatpar was one of 14 seniors that led Half Hollow Hills High School West this soccer season. (Long Islander News photo/ Andrew Wroblewski)

After finishing the regular season fourth in League III, the Half Hollow Hills High School West girls soccer team found itself with a first-round playoff matchup against No. 4 Hauppauge (13-2-2) – the League IV champion. The No. 13 Colts (10-6) took on the Eagles Monday at Hauppauge High School and, while they fought hard, the girls from Hills West just couldn’t manage to net a goal; they fell 1-0.

The loss marks the third straight season with a first-round exit from the playoffs for the Colts. Hauppauge’s Keri McCarthy scored the lone goal in the Eagles’ win.

Looking back at the season as a whole, Hills West was a team dominated by senior leadership. Of the 28 girls rostered by Hills West this season, 14 of them will be graduating in June.

One of those seniors, Arianna Sabatino led the Colts in scoring this season with 9 goals and an assist. Arianna’s sister, Olivia Sabatino – also a senior – netted 5 goals and 2 assists on the season. Second in points on the team (9) was Jennifer Casadonte, a senior midfielder, who scored 5 goals and dished out 4 assists. Hills West senior goalkeeper, Joanna Musacchia, contributing to four shutouts over the season’s 16 games.

Hills West does have some young bucks climbing the ranks, though; Gianna Cokinos – a sophomore forward – led all Colts underclassman in points (5) with her 3 goals and 2 assist. Backup goalkeeper, Taylor Sachs, a junior, made the most of her chances in net as she did not allow a goal over her three appearances.

With 13 juniors set to return next season as seniors, the Colts will look to bounce back and snap that trend of first-round exits come fall 2015.