NHP Lady Lions lose tourney finals

The Island Now

The New Hyde Park GU14 Lady Lions packed their bags and headed to Princeton, New Jersey to take on stiff competition at the 35th annual Hamilton County Columbus Day Soccer Tournament. 

Up first against the Lions was Pennsylvania’s Solebury Spark. This game was a defensive battle with dominating efforts by sweeper Caitlyn Cloonan and wing defenders Zoe Araujo and Kayla Fitzpatrick. 

The battle was ultimately won by midfielders Hannah Ardito and Emma Nidermaier with Emma punching through the winning goal. Lions win 1-0.

With a win under their belt, the lionesses took charge against New Jersey’s own, the Manalapan Crush. 

In this battle, midfielders Arianna Sinnerine and Brittany Battista took control with a goal apiece and constant pressure. Charges by Brina Agostini and Courtney Stevenson kept the Crush off balance. One-touch passing under heavy pressure by forward Elizabeth Serrano enabled the Lions to keep possession throughout the game and made the difference in the second contest. Lions win 2-0.

After the two wins, the Lions next went to Roberts Stadium at Princeton University to watch the Tigers take on Brown University. The Lions observed Princeton’s own women’s team in a dominating 2-0 victory. 

Day two for the Lions started with the pressure of a must-win against the Jackson County Strykers to advance to the finals. 

Goalkeeper Ciara Jennings was absolutely on fire in abysmal rain-soaked conditions. 

Ciara recorded over a dozen saves and one assist while commanding the box throughout. Jade Budhai and Tara Farrone provided strong defensive and offensive support but Drianna Sinnerine stole the show with two goals to seal the trip to the finals. Lions win 2-0.

The finals were held at the stadium field at Mercer County Park.  

The opponent was an academy team from New Jersey, Next Level Skye. The Lions played a gutsy game with exceptional performances from keeper Jennings and defender Cloonan. The play of the game belonged to Zoe Araujo with a header inside the box to save a goal. After the first 30 minutes, the two teams battled to a 0-0 draw. 

But, it was not meant to be as the Skye eventually converted two penalty kicks and went on to victory. 

Players Emma Nidermaier, Ciara Jennings and Zoe Araujo were awarded MVP honors for their outstanding effort, heart and game play throughout the weekend. 

Overall, it was simply a great tournament for the athletes. 

Special thanks to tournament coordinator John Ardito for organizing the event and to Paul Elliott Allen and Armount Joseph for their tireless efforts in working with the girls.

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