Suffolk County field hockey preview

CLASS A

Ward Melville has been the class of Class A, having won four straight Long Island championships, but now faces its toughest challenge in recent years: the loss of 11 seniors, including superstar Abby Beltrani. The top-seeded Patriots have the talent to succeed with Vanessa Pryor, Kim Geiger and Lindsay McCulloch along with Yuna Hur, Emma Holland and promising first-year goalie Andre' Bongiorno.

Sachem East turned heads, taking Ward Melville to overtime in the Suffolk final. Sophomore star Katie Trombetta leads a skilled group that includes Jessica Caruana, Kayla McKeveny, Katie Doherty and goalies Samantha Alvino and Jordan Miller.

Smithtown East was nipped by Sachem East, 1-0, in the semifinals. The Bulls, ranked second in the preseason poll, return Megan and Shannon Rooney, Dani Ackerman, defender Lauren Russell and goalie Erica Parks.

Northport, too, was edged 1-0 in the semifinals by Ward Melville. The Tigers have been on the precipice the previous two years and could join the elite. A strong defensive team, they're led by goalie Gabby Gallo along with Michaela Aymong, Courtney Clark and Haley Merritt.

Comsewogue looks to build on its 10-6 season and returns Marykate McCormick (22 points), Karie Zanecki and Alex Hagney.

Bay Shore has Erin Corcoran and Courtney Syrett.

SEE PHOTOS2010 All-Long Island field hockey

Lindenhurst could be on the rise with goalie Olivia DiPalma (.906 save percentage), as well as East Islip and Connetquot.

CLASS B

Shoreham-Wading River, winners of four straight county titles, again is the team to beat. The Wildcats have All-American Debi-Michelle Jantzen (42 points) and All-Long Islander Kaitlyn Taddeo (30) leading a talented group that includes Kristin Torres and Christina Malave.

Sayville started 16-0 before losing to SWR in the county final, and they want badly another shot at the title. The Golden Flashes return mostly intact and are anchored by Louisville-bound star Olivia Cabral, along with Shannon Litvin, Taylor Mills, Julianna Fiorillo and goalies Gianna Minogue and Kerry Swike.

Miller Place, a semifinalist, returns Heather Ercolano, Kitty Moore, Maggie Gersbeck and Lauren Dunne. Juniors Tiana Parrella and Emily Mott are poised for breakout seasons.

Rocky Point went 10-6 in what was expected to be a rebuilding year. The Eagles saw the emergence of budding stars Alyssa Milano, Kristine Loscalzo, Annie Kennedy, Catelynn Kundrat and goalie Casey Heely.

Southampton is led by Emily Wesnofske, Tara Watson, Cameron Marshall, Kelling Pilaro and goalie Marissa Epley.

Bayport-Blue Point will be competitive, as will Harborfields with Kasey Stolba (21 points).

CLASS C

Pierson/Bridgehampton won the Long Island championship last year and reached the state final for the first time since 1999. The Whalers return playoff heroes Catherine Musnicki (goalie) and Katherine Matthers (midfielder/defender). Also back are Kasey Gilbride, Sariah Cafiero, Lilah Yardley and Melanie Stafford. The Whalers' 2010 run was fueled by excellent defense and a knack for late-game scoring, which should again be their signature.

Port Jefferson is hoping to return to its form of 2009, when it reached the state final. Megan Fiske, Karin Holvik, Morgan Sakovich, Elizabeth Acampora and defender Courtney Fee could have the Royals back in contention.