The seventh-seeded Indians play at North Rockland on Tuesday at 2. The second-seeded Red Raiders (13-1-2) defeated White Plains in the first round, 2-0.

Playing into the wind on Saturday, the Indians managed to score a first-half goal about 20 minutes into the game when Lauren Hafkemeyer's throw-in deep in the Clarkstown North end was headed by Nicole Silenok to Zoe Boyd, who then headed the ball into the goal.

"It was one of the prettiest goals I've ever seen," said head coach Paul Smith.

The Indians controlled the game, especially in the second half when they had the wind to their backs, but couldn't add to the lead. The Indians hit the post twice in the second half, Smith said.

"We had a lot of opportunities," he said. "Clarkstown is a very solid team. We were able to control most of the play."

The defensive backline of Hafkemeyer, Natasha Cucullo and Emily Johnston, and goalie Kelly Sposato, as usual limited John Jay's opponent to few, if any, scoring chances, notching their 10th shutout in 15 games.

The story of the game, said Smith, was the return of junior midfielder Mika Cucullo, who tore her ACL in May and had her knee operated on in June. Cucullo was cleared to play less than two weeks ago, and Saturday was her first game back.

"It is truly miraculous," said Smith. "She's been an inspiration all season — never missed a practice, never missed a game. For all of us on Saturday, she was the inspiration now on the field."

Smith said that he was amazed at the level Cucullo played out; the only thing missing, he said, is the conditioning.

"She was herself. She's a sparkplug out there," he said, adding that the return of Cucullo - an All-Section honorable mention pick last year - makes John Jay an even more dangerous team than during the regular season.

"This is the first time all season we're at full health," he said.

Sposato turned in another superb game in goal, particularly in getting to dangerous balls and never allowing rebounds, said Smith. She had six saves, while Clarkstown North goalie Brooke Schwartz had 10 saves.

"It was a challenging game, and I think we played well," said Smith, whose team is now 10-4-2.

Clarkstown North finished at 11-5-1.