Kolodny propels Farmingdale's comeback win

If only all timeout speeches worked this well . . .

With Farmingdale trailing by four midway through the second half of its season opener, coach Shari Campbell's order was direct: "It's time for the seniors to take over the game."

And presto! The seniors took over the game.

Kim Kolodny scored three goals in a 51-second span and Colleen Reynolds put the Dalers ahead for good as they rallied to beat host Wantagh, 12-10, Monday in non-league girls lacrosse.

"They're the ones I challenged to put the team on their backs," Campbell said, "and I think we saw some leaders step forth."

Their emergence was a welcome sight for a squad coming off its sixth consecutive Nassau Class A championship that lost several seniors, including two All-Americans.

"I've been waiting for this for four years," said Kolodny, who had six goals and an assist. "As seniors now, we have a responsibility to carry the team, and it's good to know that we're capable."

SEE PHOTOSFarmingdale 12, Wantagh10

Brenna Connolly's goal put Wantagh up 9-5 with 14:54 left, prompting Farmingdale's timeout. Soon after, Nadine Hadnagy -- a junior, if you're wondering -- scored on a one-timer from Kolodny to start the run.

Kolodny tied it at 9 with her third of three straight goals, slinging in a rebound that had deflected off goalie Sophia Gambitsky (12 saves). Reynolds launched one from 13 yards that whizzed into the far corner for the go-ahead score. Goals by Kolodny and Amanda Turturro (two goals, two assists) pushed the lead to 12-9 in the waning minutes.

Reynolds, who scored twice, won six straight draw controls late. Paige Devine added a goal, and Olivia Kirk (three saves) and Nicole Kayola (two saves) combined in net for Farmingdale.

Colleen Lovett had three goals and three assists, and Connolly, Allie McClain and Kaleigh Craig each scored twice for Wantagh, a Class B power.

"The two of us needed to be more aggressive," Reynolds said of herself and Kolodny, who have been teammates at different levels since second grade. "I think that speech really registered with us."