Girls lacrosse: Wappingers tops Brewster to clinch third consecutive league title

Facing a schedule more difficult than it was used to, adjustments were required and the Wappingers girls lacrosse team needed to improve even to approximate its past accomplishments.

That was by design and, with those deliberately installed hurdles, some setbacks were expected.

But, Sade Reyes said, “that’s the fun part.”

“We played some tougher games, and that tested our ability to execute under pressure,” the senior continued. “You feel good when you overcome obstacles. We were better off for it.”

It’s why the success they’ve enjoyed down the stretch is so fulfilling and their confidence entering the playoffs, perhaps, is at a high.

Because the figurative difficulty settings being raised didn't come at the expense of their sterling regular season record, and the Warriors captured a third straight league title to boot.

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“I’m very proud of them,” coach Sean Rowan said. “This is a testament to their resilience and ability to come together. They're incredibly close and love playing for each other.”

Playing well off each other, too, with a balanced offense and a defense whose communication and intensity improved throughout the season.

Jill Santaroni had four goals and two assists and Kaylee Reaves scored three, leading Wappingers in a 13-5 win over Brewster on Thursday that clinched the league crown.

Haley Washall added two goals, two assists and four draw controls, Avery Reimer had a goal and three assists, Ava Feliciotto scored twice, and Mackenzie Velsmid had 10 draw controls and forced five turnovers. Goalkeeper Emma Martin, who only began playing the position in October, made five saves for the Warriors (13-2).

“It means a lot to win another one, especially because of the great seniors we lost from last year,” said Reyes, who leads the defense alongside Kathleen Ninos. “This year, having to change some things up and still coming together for a great season, it makes it really special.”

That the team graduated its leading scorer and star goalie last summer and still excelled speaks to its depth and the development of talent. Wappingers was the first Dutchess County girls lacrosse team to reach the Section 1 Class A semifinals last season and there is a belief — an internal confidence — that this group can do more.

“The more challenging schedule definitely benefited us,” Rowan said. “Playing in some close games taught us how to better manage the clock and use possession to our advantage, and how to control a game for 48 minutes.”

Their close losses to John Jay-Cross River and Albertus Magnus also offered lessons to extract, highlighting mistakes in late-game execution. Things, the coach said, that eventually were “cleaned up.”

As well, the offense featured several players capable of taking over a game, including six who have topped 20 goals this spring. Alexa Cazzorla, Washall, Reimer, Santaroni, Reaves and Feliciotto almost alternated big performances throughout the season, making it difficult for defenses to key on anyone.

Velsmid, who Rowan called “our best midfield player,” is dominant on the draw and in transition, triggering the offense. The senior eclipsed 100 career points and 100 caused turnovers last week.

“Any of them can score and they play so unselfishly and move the ball so well,” the coach said.

One of the most exciting things, Reyes said, is the defense getting a turnover or recovering a groundball, then having the ball transition through the midfield and up to the attack, then result in a goal.

“That’s the perfect ‘team’ sequence,” she said. “When everyone is playing well and contributing, it adds to how good you feel about each game.”

Wappingers planned to close its regular season Saturday with a trip to face Section 2’s Queensbury, which was undefeated. The Albany area typically produces strong lacrosse programs so this, of course, is another of those "irons sharpens iron" matchups they've sought.

Stephen Haynes: shaynes@poughkeepsiejournal.com; 845-437-4826; Twitter: @StephenHaynes4

This article originally appeared on Poughkeepsie Journal: Girls lacrosse: Reyes helps Wappingers win third straight league title