L.I. Advance: Two-Sport Record-Setter Excels for St. Joseph's College
Written by Jim Furlong (Long Island Advance) - Full Story
When Heather Ferchland reviews all her numerous honors, accomplishments and fulfilling memories the last four years, she can fill two large trophy cases.
For all 2016 graduating seniors for four-year Long Island colleges, Ferchland has produced one of the premier athletic resumes. On her Patchogue campus, she's earned repeated recognition for being a versatile two-sport record-setter for St. Joseph's College.
As captain of the volleyball and women's lacrosse teams, she proved herself an NCAA Division III headliner for the Skyline Conference.
She owns the SJC school records for career lacrosse goals (241) and career points (282). She also made the most career kills (1,370) for volleyball.
"I don't look at myself as the best. I needed my teammates to support me," Ferchland said. "I have good leadership skills. I am a good team player. I am confident. I go out and play my game and not let anything distract me and know that the team has my back and supports me."
During her 2016 lacrosse season, she totaled 50 goals, 61 ground balls and 74 draw controls in 19 games.
She sparked the Golden Eagles to back-to-back Skyline championships and the 2016 team's 14-5 record, including a victory and loss in the NCAA Tournament.
"I can shoot right and left; I am pretty fast," the 21-year-old said. "I have a lot of experience. I have been playing since I was 7."
Voted a three-time, first-team selection for Skyline lacrosse, she was named the conference's 2016 co-offensive player of the year.
For both sports, she was named to the Skyline Weekly Honor Roll 20 times and was a five-time Rookie of the Week. Twelve times she was selected the Skyline Player of the Week.
Three times she was named the ECAC Metro Player of the Week.
Her volleyball highlights — as a strong middle hitter — include being named 2014 Skyline Player of the Year, a three-time, first-team league selection. Her 2013 team gained the Skyline title.
"I can jump pretty high," said the agile 5-foot-10-inch standout. "My height is an advantage because I am so tall, connecting with my teammates."
Ferchland, a former prep standout for Centereach High School who lives in Selden, will soon start a summer job. She will help organize the Kiddie Camp at the Patchogue YMCA.
She has useful advice for young girls who want to improve themselves and their sports skills.
"Not to take anything for granted, go to practice, enjoy it and don't complain," said Ferchland. "Practice hard and make a lot of friends. Be outgoing. To be a part of a team is a better experience overall."
Bellport resident earns SJC distinction
Mallory McClafferty, who lives in Bellport, earned a first-time distinction for the St. Joseph's College varsity softball program.
She earned two All-Conference Skyline honors. She was named first-team All-League as a utility player and second-team All-Skyline as a pitcher.
Completing a superb senior season, her versatility made her the first Golden Eagle to be a two-time honoree in the same year.
As a hitter, McClafferty batted .470 in all 35 games with 46 RBIs, 16 doubles, 29 runs scored and seven homers.
As a pitcher, the graduate of St. John the Baptist High School in West Islip posted a 10-4 record with a 2.78 earned run average. During 98 innings pitched, she totaled 97 strikeouts — third best in the 11-team Skyline Conference.
