Pearl River Field Hockey Rolls Past South on Senior Recognition Day

The Pearl River field hockey team honored its seniors before Thursday's home game against Clarkstown South.

Then the Pirates' sophomores made sure their teammates celebrated with a victory, chipping in for four of the Pearl River's five goals in a 5-1 victory over Clarkstown South.

Sophomores Jackie Dowling, Courtney Ocasal, Erin Dolphin and Kristen Sammon each scored a goal in the victory, as did senior Emily Davan. Dolphin and Ocasal each also had an assist as the Pirates extended their winning streak to three games and improved their record to 5-7-3. 

The key has been a much-improved offense, which generated 26 shots on goal Thursday. Clarkstown South goalies Casie Keegan and Sarah Donnelly each had nine saves. Pearl River goalie Annie McBride, another sophomore had four saves in the victory.

"The last three games, we've scored 14 goals, which is big for us," Pearl River Head Coach Shane Carlacci said. "We had a lot of trouble scoring early in the season.

"If we're going to get hot, this is the time to do it."

Pearl River will complete its regular season 4:30 p.m. Oct. 23 at Fox Lane. That game was postponed Wednesday due to the passing of Pearl River High School student Thomas Scognamiglio. Carlacci and the Pearl River players wore yellow ribbons in their hair with the initial's "T.S." in Scognamiglio's honor Thursday.

Play for the Cure

Carlacci said that the Pearl River field hockey team ended up raising $360 for Play for the Cure, with the money going to fight breast cancer. This included the game Oct. 13 and a bake sale Wednesday. 

Pearl River 5, Clarkstown South 1
Goals: PR -- Jackie Dowling, Courtney Ocasal, Emily Davan, Kristen sammon, Erin Dolphin; CS -- Kristen Danyluk
Assists: PR -- Ocasal, Dolphin, Delia White
Saves: PR -- Annie McBride 4; CS -- Casie Keegan 9, Sarah Donnelly 9