Seahawks Score Late To Clinch Semifinal Win, Ready For Finals Tonight

Photo by Brittney Dougher
The Cold Spring Harbor field hockey team is all smiles after defeating Manhasset on Friday in the Nassau Class B semifinals.

By Janee Law
jlaw@longislandergroup.com

The Cold Spring Harbor Seahawks field hockey team fought through a tough rivalry match in the Nassau Class B semifinal on Friday to emerge, 2-1, over Manhasset.

“The whole game we had to fight to hang on to our lead,” Cold Spring Harbor’s head coach, Brittney Dougher, said. With the win, Cold Spring Harbor is set to enter the Class B final, which they’re slated to play in tonight, 6 p.m., at Adelphi University against Garden City.

Against Manhasset, the second-seeded Seahawks trailed the third-seeded Manhasset Indians, 1-0, to enter the second half.

However, sophomore forward Brenna Starkins tied the game for the Seahawks with 22:45 remaining. Then, senior midfielder and forward Kate Kotowski scored what would be the game-winning goal with 5:46 left to play.

Kotowski’s goal came off a corner serve, Dougher said, which is something the team has struggled with throughout the season.

This time, however, “they executed the corner beautifully,” Dougher said.

“Kate capitalized on a poor rebound by the goalie with a diving sweep and she was able to get that one in,” Dougher added. “That was definitely an awesome goal.”

Seahawks senior goalkeeper Paige DeNatale made eight saves for Cold Spring Harbor (6-6) in the win.

The result was the opposite of last year’s semifinal game between the two sides, which Manhasset won, 2-0. This year’s redemption was definitely something to celebrate, Dougher said.

“This year, we were able to answer back with more heart,” Dougher said. “Not that Manhasset didn’t show heart; I just think we were able to show a little more and that’s what accustomed us to getting that additional goal to win.”

Tonight, the Seahawks will battle in the Class B final against the top-seeded Garden City.

In preparing for the game, Dougher said, the Seahawks want to to play their usual game and treat this game mentally as they would any other game.

“Winning is such a mindset and it’s tough,” Dougher said. “We’re just going to stay true to we do well and keep our morale and excitement up.”

Adelphi University is located at 1 South Ave. in Garden City. There will be a $6 admission fee.