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Sports

Melissa Shulman Piling Up Goals

This week's athlete of the week is Harrison's lacrosse captain Melissa Shulman for her near heroic effort in last week's game against Somers.

Last Wednesday, at Harrison High School's new McGillicuddy Stadium, captain Melissa Shulman and the rest of the girls lacrosse team narrowly escaped with a win in a game against the Somers Tuskers.

After a loss earlier in the week Harrison needed a victory before falling too far in the standings. In the game, Shulman was the clear leader on and off the field. She was the high goal scorer of the game adding four goals to her career totals and whenever she had control of the ball it was clear she was the leader of the Husky attack.

Shulman scored the second goal of the game for the Huskies, which evened the score at two. That goal was just the beginning of a substantial run for Harrison as it seemingly woke up the Huskies attack and sparked something within the team's offensive mindset.

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The second goal of Shulman's day came later in the first half when she fired in a goal during the back and forth pace of the game's first 20 minutes. Shulman's ability and talent helped lead the team to a 6-5 advantage at halftime.

"Melissa is one of the best players we have ever had here," said Assistant Coach Jon-Erik Zappala. "She is just a natural goal scorer."

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After the half, the team went on a scoring rampage and scored four consecutive goals. With a score 10-5 the Somers team was down and nearly out of the game.

The tenth goal of the day for Harrison went in with over 14 minutes left in the game and then the Tuskers began to battle back. However, late in the game Shulman got a penalty shot and had the opportunity to put the game out of reach.

With just minutes left in the game, Shulman added her fourth and final goal of the contest to clinch the victory. With the exception of Shulman's goal, Harrison's offense was somewhat anemic in the final 14 minutes as Somers attempted to climb back from the early deficit. 

The game ended 10-9 and, had it not been for Shulman's final goal, it is probable that the game would have gone into overtime.

Harrison's coaching staff knew before the season started that the team would rely heavily on the contributions from their senior.

"Melissa Shulman on attack is looking to score the 200th goal of her career this season, she was at 136 before the season started," said Harrison Head Coach Wendy Swenson. "If she plays as I know she is capable of, then she can definitely achieve all of her aspirations."

Next year Shulman will be hanging up her Lacrosse to become a member of the University of North Carolina's class of 2014.

Best of luck and continued success Melissa Shulman, Harrison Patch's athlete of the week for April 11 - 17.

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