Wantagh tops Northport, 12-11, in double OT

Wantagh is big on buzz words -- little slogans that serve as motivation for its girls lacrosse team. This year's term is "intensity." Fitting, given their come-from-behind triumph in a high-pressure game Saturday.

But, perhaps more apropos for this throwback performance of sorts, was the Warriors' 2011 phrase: "undaunted."

Few words can better describe Colleen Lovett shrugging at a double-team, splitting defenders and whipping in a bouncer from 6 yards with 2:18 remaining in the first overtime. Actually, "victorious" is another, as Wantagh held on to beat Northport, 12-11, in double overtime in the Long Island Challenge at Farmingdale.

Undaunted, as well, were the Warriors, rallying from down 7-3 in the second half and forcing overtime on Kaleigh Craig's free-position goal with 38 seconds left.

"It's about time we won one of these," a Wantagh parent remarked afterwards.

It's been a while. It had become a trend for Wantagh (9-5) this season, losing close games to other good teams. So it was against Farmingdale, North Shore, Massapequa, and Bay Shore last week.

"We're sick of that feeling," said Lovett, who scored twice. "This was one we needed and it was a big confidence-booster."

SEE PHOTOSWantagh 12, Northport 11 (2OT)

Catie Ingrilli and Craig each had four goals, and Sophia Gambitsky made eight saves for Wantagh.

Allie Pavinelli, who overcame an asthma attack late in the first half, had two goals for Northport (9-4). Dorrien Van Dyke and Paige Bonomi each also scored twice, and Michaela Aymong had 10 saves.

Cortney Fortunato (three goals) gave Northport a 7-3 lead with 21:20 remaining, but Wantagh closed the gap late. Ingrilli scored back-to-back goals to tie it at 10 with 2:34 left. Bonomi put the Tigers back ahead at 2:05, but Craig answered.

After Lovett's go-ahead score, Wantagh won both ensuing draws -- including the one in the second overtime - and its stall offense drained more than two minutes off the clock.

"We've lost some tough ones," Ingrilli said, "so we put all of our heart into this game . . . We couldn't be denied again."

And their intensity was undaunted.

Cold Spring Harbor wins. Victoria Kotowski had seven goals and an assist as Cold Spring Harbor defeated Half Hollow Hills, 9-5, yesterday in the Long Island Challenge. Thea Leitman made three saves and Haley Crosson had two for the Seahawks (9-2). Cara Pascarella scored three goals for Hills (6-7), which rallied from down 4-0 and closed to within 5-4, before the CSH pulled away.