Pilkington's spirit inspires West Islip

With her initials written on their legs, her motto - "Give everything but up" - embedded in their minds, and her mentality reflected in their play, the West Islip girls soccer team made former teammate Alexis Pilkington's presence felt.

"The girls played exactly like Alexis," coach Nick Grieco said. "One hundred percent effort, play with a positive attitude and be in good spirits. That's what they did today, regardless of what the result was going to be."

Although the result became secondary to the ceremony held after the game to honor Pilkington, who took her own life last March at the age of 17, West Islip's 3-0 win over Islip on Friday at West Islip High School carried more significance than a typical mid-September, non-league game.

Kelsey Raschke broke a scoreless tie 2:28 into the second half after she wrestled the ball away from Islip's Tara Bernacco, dribbled into the box and chipped a shot into the upper-right corner of the goal for what proved to be the winning goal in an emotional victory.

"It means a lot," Raschke said of the win. "Alexis was always out there working hard, pushing everyone, and making sure everyone was giving their best. We try and bring that to the field every game."

Thanks to a stingy defense, the goal was all West Islip would need.

"Our defense is second to none," goalkeeper Samantha Whitney said. "We set a goal for nine shutouts this season and we hope to make that goal and even go further past it."

The Lions (3-0) moved one step closer to reaching that goal by keeping Islip (0-2) out of the zone to limit their scoring opportunities and prevent them from testing Whitney, who needed just one save to record the shutout.

Sophomore forward Nicole Perniciaro took a centering pass from Nicole Dilevo and kicked it past Islip keeper Tara Mackey, who came out of goal to challenge, to give West Islip a 2-0 lead with 24:17 remaining in the second half. Fellow sophomore Brenda DiDonna added another goal just over three minutes later, scoring from straightaway just outside the box.

West Islip's depth was on display as they put forth a balanced team effort with Alexis' mother, Paula, cheering them on from the stands.

"That's our style," Grieco said. "Twenty-two girls contributing to the team's success. That's exactly what happened today and that's why we are going to be a tough team to beat."

Twenty-two girls contributed on the field while one assisted from elsewhere.

"I know Alexis is looking down on us," Whitney said, "and helping us through the season."