Ossining senior Andrea Neski has committed to play soccer for Philadelphia University, a Division II school.
"I really like the coach; I got a really good impression of him," she said, referring to Philadelphia University girls soccer coach George Dunbar. "I thought he had a really unique look on the game, and I liked what he had to say."
The high-scoring forward's options included SUNY-Stony Brook, SUNY-Albany, and Monmouth University. Ultimately, her conversation with Dunbar, as well as the university's location, swayed her decision.
"It's 10 minutes outside the city, so it's got the campus life," she said. "But it's also got the city right there, so it's got the best of both.
"I'm a little nervous because I've gone to see them play, and they're a great team. But I'm excited, and I'm looking forward to all the opportunities that are in front of me."
Neski said she was considering majoring in communications or public relations.
Over the summer, Neski required surgery to repair a broken collarbone. Though she hasn't played this season, she said she has attended every practice and game dating back to the summer. Ossining has struggled to a 2-6 start without Neski, who scored more than 40 goals total over the past two seasons. On Wednesday, she was cleared to start playing with the team again.
"I know the girls are kind of lacking motivation because we've been losing. Frankly, it's a little discouraging," she said. "I know once I'm out there with them I'll be able to pick them up a little and encourage them and get the drive back."
Mamaroneck back on track: Mamaroneck's convincing 3-0 win over league rival Scarsdale on Thursday provided a confidence boost to a team beset by injuries throughout the early part of the season. Senior sweeper and captain Patricia Galan's return from injury has improved the defense's communication.
"She vocalizes to the players; it really makes it work in the back," coach Ron Blain said. "We're more in sync with her in the back."
The win was Mamaroneck's third in a row and upped its record to 3-3-1.
"We have Scarsdale on top of the league," he said. "Knocking them down, it solidifies us as a contender to win the league."
Rumble in Rockland: North Rockland and Clarkstown South will play at Clarkstown South on Oct. 3 at 7 p.m. This will be the first game of the season between Rockland's two powerful league rivals.
