Seaford Girls Lacrosse Knocked Out in Semifinals by North Shore

The girls lacrosse season came to a close Tuesday afternoon with a loss to North Shore in the Nassau County Class C semifinals, but according to head coach Kurt Dankenbrink the disappointing ending does not diminish what was otherwise very successful year.

Seaford’s 18-4 setback to second-seeded North Shore at Denton Avenue Field in New Hyde Park ended the Lady Vikings’ season at 12-5. Seaford came into the 2011 season with a goal of making the playoffs and the Lady Vikings exceeded that by advancing to the semifinals with its opening round 19-11 over Floral Park last Thursday.

“It was a great year,” said Coach Dankenbrink. “We had a nice playoff win at home and an outstanding season.”

North Shore jumped out to an 11-2 lead late in the first half before goals from Danielle Rice and Carolyn LoStrappo brought Seaford within seven goals at halftime. The Vikings would not score again however as North Shore dominated time of possession in the second half in outscoring Seaford 7-0 to close the game.

The win moved North Shore (12-4) into the Nassau County Class C title game at Hofstra University’s Shuart Stadium against Locust Valley on June 1.

“[North Shore] had the ball the majority of the game,” said Dankenbrink. “When we did have the ball in our sticks we felt pressured

Helping to keep Seaford within striking distance was goalie Diana Rice, who recorded 14 saves and was a consistent anchor in the cage all year for the Lady Vikings. “She did what she needed to do,” said Dankenbrink of Rice. “She was oustanding.”

Seaford only graduates two starters in Danielle Rice and Casey Palmer, which makes Dankenbrink very optimistic for next season. “We’ll be back,” he said.