Martinez's goal: Score goals
West Islip's Amanda Martinez, who scored two goals in the game, turns the ball upfield. (Sept. 10, 2011) Credit: Patrick E. McCarthy
Only recently has the name Amanda Martinez become regularly followed by the words, "scored two goals."
She showed flashes of her potential in the past: As a sophomore in 2009, she had the game-winning assist in West Islip's victory over Massapequa in the Long Island championship and scored a goal in the state semifinals. Last season, she quietly led the Lions in scoring with 10 goals.
But it wasn't until this season that her full potential was realized.
The senior forward has "scored two goals" in seven of West Islip's nine games for 15 overall, the most on Long Island, and has powered West Islip to a 9-0 start.
"I'm just trying to give everything I've got in my senior year," Martinez said. "It means a lot to me because I'm accomplishing something I've always wanted to do."
She attributes her scoring surge to her teammates, who she says have pushed her at practice to help her progress.
"The level of intensity we have, we never drop off," she said. "We give our best and push each other to do better so when it comes to game time, I'm ready."
West Islip coach Nick Grieco agrees that the intense practice sessions have carried into games and benefited Martinez, but adds that her skill set has also played a factor.
"She has the ability to strike the ball very low with both her left and right foot," he said. "She's got good speed and good size. Her ability to anticipate situations and get to the ball before defenders is a big advantage for her. She's taken every opportunity to capitalize on that."
---- Mike Gavin
