High-Flying Defender

Ariana Aston is the last line of defense.

BY JASON MOLINET

Ariana Aston walked into an area Petco store not long ago and fell in love with a parrot. A Green-cheeked Conure to be precise.

It’s a South American tree-top bird that stands all of 10 inches tall and can live 30 years.

Today, it’s a member of the family. It knows everyone by name – yes, it can talk. Squeaky the parrot even laughs a lot like Aston’s father, Jeff.

In many ways, Aston’s soccer season has unfolded in the same way. She went from under the radar to central figure on the Friars girls soccer team, which just clinched the regular-season Nassau-Suffolk CHSAA title and top seed in the playoffs.

Iconic St. Anthony’s girls coach Dave Prutting had heard good things about Aston as a freshman on the junior varsity a year ago. But he never saw her play until August tryouts and didn’t plan to promote such a young player to the varsity.

Aston made quite an impression. The sophomore from East Setauket didn’t just land a roster spot, she’s the sweeper, the last line of defense for the 13-4-2 Friars.

“She runs the defense and reads the game really well from the back,’’ Prutting said. “I can’t say enough good things about her. We wouldn’t be where we are without her back there.”

Aston was a midfielder on St. Anthony’s championship junior varsity last season. She had played defense in the past and hated it. But in the last year she’s been asked to play back and the position has grown on her.

“There are moments when I need to make the big save,’’ said Aston, her voice betraying her excitement.

What makes Aston perfectly suited to be a sweeper is best understood by stepping away from the soccer field for a moment. Aston ran indoor track last winter, specializing in the 200 and 400 meters, as well as the hurdles. That’s right, Aston is flat out fast – and nimble.

“They are usually the last line of defense they have to anticipate,’’ Prutting said. “They have to be all over the field, strong stamina and good speed. They are going against the fastest players on the other team. She definitely has it all.”

Aston and the Friars’ defense came up big in the finale against Sacred Heart Academy last week. The teams played to a 2-2 tie earlier in the season. In the rematch, Sacred Heart managed just five shots on goals as St. Anthony’s took a 4-0 win.

It’s been quite a year for Aston. It started with the added responsibility of a new pet. Now she’s helping take care of an entire team.

“When I tried out my dad and I expected to make the JV,’’ Aston said. “It was awesome to make the varsity.

“I think it’s a strong defense. We haven’t been scored on many times. I love the girls back there.’’