Coleman, Ortega lead Middle Country

It’s not quite May-December, but Middle Country’s midfield is a great example of how teams can combine seasoned talent with maturing skills.

The team’s two leading scorers are Shannon Coleman, a senior, and freshman Nikki Ortega. Now, Ortega is a bit of an anomaly because she’s been on varsity since seventh grade, but the two this year are proving to be a formidable offensive combination. You might not know the names because, well, Suffolk girls lax is no joke, and even with good players, Middle Country is 2-3 so far this year.

Still, let’s give a shoutout to some nice numbers when we see them. The girls, both midfielders, have combined for 37 of the team’s 55 goals this year. Coleman has 22 points so far (19 goals, three assists), while Ortega has 18 goals and nine assists.

“They just work really well together,” coach Lindsay Dolson said. “They were our main scorers last year and we’re glad to have them back. They’re both All County players.
“Shannon has been on varsity since ninth grade and she’s really good at pushing the ball and has a very hard shot,” Dolson said. “[Ortega] is an all around very good player, she plays good defense and knows when to attack.” 

Coleman is committed to play at Stony Brook next year