Shorthanded from the outset and trailing by two goals early in the second half, the Harrison girls lacrosse team needed everything it could muster on Wednesday morning to storm back against visiting Mamaroneck and top the Tigers 9-8. But while one victory may not affect the course of an entire season, it was telling from the Huskies’ celebration at the final whistle that the win might give other teams around Section 1 a better idea about what this gritty Huskies’ group brings to the table.
Trailing by one with time running out, the Huskies struck quickly when it mattered most, tying the game up on a score by Harper Cannell with 1:45 left on the clock and taking the lead for good just 50 seconds later when Harper Lapin found the net for her second of the day.
Harrison head coach Dennis Hurlie credited his team for a gutsy performance, noting that wins like these are likely to instill confidence for the 4-2 Huskies.
“Mamaroneck is a great program and that’s why we try to play them every year, to get better,” said Hurlie. “We had a lot of girls who are newer to varsity step up and play a role, especially on the defensive end.For us this is big; We’ve competed with some of the best programs around for a couple of years now, but it doesn’t mean anything until you can start to win a couple of those games.”
On factor behind Harrison’s win on the day was the inspired play of Lila Berkery, who finished with five goals, two assists and three draw controls. Hurlie lauded Berkery for her influence on a game, opining that there are few players in Section 1 who shoulder as much work as the standout senior.
“Lila is one of the most competitive kids that I’ve ever coached, she’s a terrific leader and she’s extremely talented,” said Hurlie. “We ask her to do a lot; she’s up and down the field, she’s getting draws, she puts the ball in the net, she’s feeding people and she’s our leader on the defensive end.
“She does a ton for us, and it’s amazing how she just keeps answering the bell.”
At 4-2 on the season, the Huskies will look to continue their solid play when they host White Plains on April 24. The Tigers—who have now dropped three straight after starting the season with five straight wins—will have a stiff test on Tuesday, when they take on small-school powerhouse Bronxville.
Contact: sports@hometwn.com
