Talenti, Bethpage keep the ball moving in victory

Juliana Talenti was behind the wheel of the Bethpage offense Saturday and if there was a speed limit, she paid no attention to it.

Talenti was one of many Eagles taking advantage of a fast-paced, ball-movement offense as she had two goals and three assists to lead host Bethpage to a 12-5 victory over Oceanside in Nassau Conference II girls lacrosse Saturday morning.

She’d rather not take all the attention herself, as Bethpage had eight goal scorers. The Eagles had seven assists on their 12 goals.

“I’m just one of many on our team,” Talenti insisted. “Crazy assists, crazy goals. We work together and that’s what works for us.”

That ball movement shined early as Bethpage took a 6-2 lead into halftime and Oceanside was unable to bring the game to within four goals in the second half.

Kailyn Salony added two goals and two assists and Nicole Dux had three goals for Bethpage (6-1).

“It’s just the selflessness and willingness to get the job done no matter who it is,” coach Alyssa Kildare said. “They are so passionate and care for one another. They are such a great group.”

Talenti had two of her three assists in the second half, sometimes coming off a dash to the net or a strong pass from behind the goal.

“She’s amazing,” Dux said. “She looks for everyone on the field, makes sure everyone gets a touch with it, and sets up so many people for goals and assists.”

Shannon Hughes and Mary Kate Nawrocki each added a goal and an assist.

Lily Johnson had four goals and an assist for Oceanside (4-3).

“It’s not a matter of one person,” Kildare said. “We’re not relying on one person. It’s just a matter of executing the game plan and feeding whoever has the hot hand. Sharing the ball creates multiple threats and it’s harder to stop.”

The Bethpage defense, including Emily Herbert, Ashlynn McGrorty and Brianna Wendling, with Nicole Minelli in net had a strong game to limit Oceanside’s scoring chances.

Bethpage was coming off three straight losses, two in non-conference. The Eagles have a tough week ahead with Farmingdale and Seaford, with Seaford sitting atop Conference II.

“We had a couple of downfalls last week but we’re back and better than ever,” Talenti said. “We’re going to push as hard as we can. We want to get the conference championship.”

“This is what you want to play for,” Kildare said. “You want to play for May and this is when you want to play your best lacrosse. I’m proud of the girls.”