Seaford Girls Lacrosse Drops Overtime Thriller to Floral Park

Going into Monday evening’s regular season finale against Conference C rival Floral Park the Seaford girls lacrosse team had already solidified its postseason position, but despite not much being on the line for the Lady Vikings the game had a playoff intensity. In a high scoring game of many twists and turns Seaford eventually fell to the Lady Knights 16-15 in overtime ending its four-game winning streak.

Despite the loss under the lights at , head coach Kurt Dankenbrink said he was proud of his team’s effort and its fight until the very end. This was evident at the end of regulation when Floral Park was leading 14-13 and running out the clock before defender Jessica Torrent forced a turnover with 18 seconds left and raced all the way to the other end of the field to net the tying goal with just 3.3 ticks remaining. The Lady Vikings also kept their hopes alive in the second overtime session when Danielle Rice scored on transition off a draw control to the game at 15-15 and force a sudden death session.

In sudden death overtime after Floral Park had what appeared to be the winning goal wiped off due to a dangerous follow through, Julia Schmidt ended Seaford’s hopes when she fired a shot past Diana Rice on the doorstep with 1:25 remaining. Rice had kept Seaford in the game with 16 saves including several key stops at the end of regulation and in overtime.

Seaford finished the regular season 7-3 in Conference C and will be the third seed in the playoffs. Seaford’s first round playoff game is scheduled for next Wednesday against an undetermined opponent.

Seaford held s 13-10 lead with just over 12 minutes left before Floral Park went on a four-goal run to take a 14-13 lead before Torrent’s last second heroics. The Lady Vikings had several chances to widen their lead in the second half but ran into a hot goalie in Kayla Vargas, who had 16 saves on the night.

“They are a very fast and a good skilled team,” said Coach Dankenbrink of Floral Park, which kept its playoff hopes alive with the win. “Normally we get a lot of goals on transition but today just wasn’t clicking.”

Seaford was led offensively by Amelia Taylor’s seven points on five goals and two assists. The Lady Vikings also got hatricks from Emma Schait and Meaghan Curley.

Seaford now has over a week before its playoff opener and Coach Dankenbrink is hoping to use that time to cut down on fouls and “possessing the ball better.” Dankenbrink said he is hoping the team can hold a scrimmage on Monday as a way to prepare for a playoff run.

Prior to taking the field against Floral Park Seaford’s four seniors were recognized  in honor of their final regular season home game. The four seniors honoed included Taylor, Casey Palmer, Danielle Rice and Lauren Wolfin.