Hewlett Offense Too Much for Kennedy

The Hewlett Bulldogs (8-4) tied a season-high in goals on Monday as the team took down the Kennedy Bellmore Cougars (5-4), 22-14.

Dani Kandel had a season-high in total points with six goals and two assists to lead Hewlett. Sam DiSalvo contributed with five goals and two assists.

Kerri Baum scored a season-high six goals in the loss. Both Morgan Kitton and Samantha Rothery scored three times as well.

Hewlett, which has scored double-digit goals in all but one game this season, showed their skilled offense as they jumped out to an early lead on the road. Leading 5-3, the Bulldogs scored the next four goals to open up a commanding lead.

Kennedy fought back to score three of the next four goals, including two from Rothery, to trail 10-6 before heading into halftime with Hewlett ahead, 12-7.

The two teams traded goals for nearly the first 10 minutes of the second half, but Kennedy took a big hit when Kitton picked up her second yellow card of the game and was forced to sit for the remaining 14:05. With Baum having a breakout game, the Cougars remained close behind at 16-12.

Hewlett extended the lead back to six goals after scores from DiSalvo and Kandel, and ended the game with four unanswered goals to pick up a crucial conference win on the road.

Heroes: Although putting in just two goals against Kennedy, Val DeNapoli controlled the offense for Hewlett with her speed in isolation. She won 20 face offs to help her team control the majority of the possession as well.

Turning Point: When Kennedy pulled to within four goals at 18-14 with Kitton out of the game, they seemed to be pushing for a comeback. However, two quick goals by Hewlett put the game out of reach with little time remaining.

Quotable: "At the end, my girls played with a lot of heart. If at any point, we could have taken the lead, it would have changed the game a lot," Kennedy head coach Kerri Andree said. "They gave everything they had and they fought with energy so I have to be happy about that." 

"The girls played really well today and stepped up. Val [DeNapoli] does really well off of the draws and our goalie had a great game today as well," Hewlett head coach Rosemary DeAmbrosio said. "We have been really passionate about trying to get to the playoffs, and we need to win our next two games to definitely get there."

Bottom Line: Kennedy is 0-3 in Conference B-II so far this season. They must win their three remaining conference games against Mepham, Bethpage and New Hyde Park to have a legitimate shot at the playoffs.  Hewlett remains in a steady second place behind Lynbrook.

Key Stat: Hewlett put 38 total shots on net against Lee Kraut compared to 23 for Kennedy.

Who’s Next: Kennedy @ Bethpage, May 4, 4:30 p.m.; Hewlett v.s. St. John the Baptist, May 7, 8:00 p.m.

Box Score: 

Goals-Assists: H: Kandel 6-2, DiSalvo 5-2, Ahmad 3-0, Rogoff 2-4, Cohen 2-0, DeNapoli 2-0, Schechter 1-1, Piri 1-0, Greenbaum 0-1. Totals: 22-8. K: Baum 6-1, Kitton 3-1, Rothery 3-1, Espostio 2-0, Klein 0-2. Totals: 14-5. Goalies: H: Oshrain- 9 saves; K: Kraut- 16 saves.