Tornadoes Makes Strides On, Off Field
/By Andrew Wroblewski & Janee Law
info@longislandergroup.com
The Harborfields field hockey program raised $3,175 for Sunday's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk at Jones Beach.
Sitting in the top-third of Suffolk’s Division III standings, it’s easy to be impressed by what Harborfields’ field hockey team has accomplished on the field this season – and is poised to continue when playoffs begin Saturday.
But the Lady Tornadoes aren’t just making strides on the field -- they’ve made them off of it, as well.
Through fundraising efforts, the team donated $3,175 to Sunday’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk at Jones Beach.
“In the past two years, our Harborfields field hockey family has lost three members to this awful disease,” Lauren Desiderio, the team’s head coach for the past six years, said in an email. “This season we dedicated ourselves to a cause that is very near and dear to the heart of our team.”
Desiderio added that both Harborfields’ junior varsity and varsity field hockey teams fully participated in the walk. She also recognized Sayville High School’s field hockey program, which raised $460 towards Harborfields’ campaign.
“We are extremely appreciative of everyone who donated to our cause and the support we have received from the Harborfields community as well as our field hockey community,” she said.
Now, with Suffolk’s playoff bracket expected to be released Friday, it’s time for the Lady Tornadoes to stride back onto the field and achieve its goal of reaching the playoffs, as Desiderio said.
Harborfields (9-4) played its final regular season game Wednesday after deadline against Pierson-Bridgehampton. The Lady Tornadoes defeated Pierson 4-1 in the two school’s first matchup of the season on Sept. 30.
Although it was the final regular season game, the outcome would likely affect Harborfields’ postseason placement. The Lady Tornadoes trailed Comsewogue (9-4) by just 2.3 points and led Pierson (8-5) by 8.08 points in the Division III standings prior to game time.
The Lady Tornadoes were looking to follow up on Monday’s 2-0 win over Greenport/Southold (2-11).
Harborfields’ goaltender Marybeth Greenberg preserved the shutout with one save and both Katherine Alnwick and Katherine Alnwick scored to fuel the Lady Tornadoes win.
Now, depending on seeding, Harborfields prepares for its first Suffolk Class B playoff game on either Saturday or Tuesday. To keep up with the bracket, visit sectionxi.org.
