BY ADAM RONIS
Massapequa, New Hyde Park and Manhasset all linked together in girls soccer? We all know Massapequa's prowess, New Hyde Park is a contender most seasons, but what is Manhasset doing there?
The Manhasset girls soccer team is one of three unbeaten teams remaining in Nassau. Massapequa and New Hyde Park are the others. Manhasset hasn’t been known for a great soccer program, but the Indians have come on strong since Lauren McGrory, who played at St. John’s University, took over as coach last season.
Manhasset (9-0), which made the postseason last year for the first time in seven years, is led by senior Italia Smith, who has scored 13 goals. Like many Manhasset players, she doesn’t play soccer outside of school.
“She’s a natural athlete,” McGrory said. “She’s an excellent finisher. As good as she is scoring, she’s very unselfish. She’s also a great basketball player, but I think she wants to eventually play Division I soccer.”
Sophomore Ashley Peter is one of the playmakers and Juliana Gallo is second on the team in scoring with six goals.
The real test for the Indians will come in the postseason. Last season they played nationally-ranked South Side and lost in a blowout. McGrory said South Side played like a college team. The Indians play in Conference VI in an ability-based grouping format, but regardless of the outcome, the Indians program is heading in the right direction. After no junior varsity program for four years, the Indians had 13 players last season and 16 this season.