Suffolk girls lacrosse preview

SUFFOLK I

MIDDLE COUNTRY

Coach: Lindsay Dolson

2015 record: 18-1

Key players

Jamie Ortega, M, Jr.

Ava Barry, M, Jr.

Rachel Masullo, M, Jr.

Amanda Masullo, M, Jr.

Jordyn Aiello, M, Jr.

Outlook: Middle Country’s undefeated run was halted by West Islip in the county final last season. Ortega (committed to North Carolina) and Barry (Boston University) are two-way threats that will lead as the team eyes a Suffolk title.

WEST ISLIP LIONS

Coach: Joe Nicolosi

2015 record: 19-3

Key players

Vanessa Costantino, M, Sr.

Emily Beier, A, Jr.

Emily Piciullo, A, Sr.

Daniel Schweitzer, D, Sr.

Lauren DiStefano, G, So.

Outlook: The Lions return five of seven offensive starters from their 2015 season in which they won their first state championship. Piciullo, Beier and Costantino combined for 139 goals and 95 assists.

NORTHPORT TIGERS

Coach: Carol Rainson-Rose

2015 record: 13-5

Key players

Noelle Peragine, M, Sr.

Kelly Jacobsen, D, Sr.

Natalie Langella, A, Jr.

Emerson Cabrera, M, So.

Meghan Smith, D, Jr.

Outlook: Captains Peragine (committed to Georgetown) and Jacobsen (Bryant) are dynamic threats on either side of the field.

SMITHTOWN EAST BULLS

Coach: Ann Naughton

2015 record: 12-5

Key players

Shannon Kavanagh, M, Jr.

Jackie Cuccurullo, M, Sr.

Julia Smith, A, Jr.

Sydney Strcich, D, Jr.

Kate Schmal, M, Jr.

Outlook: The Bulls have two speedy freshmen in Isabella Costa and Gabriella Schneider that complement an experienced group eyeing a deep postseason run.

SMITHTOWN WEST BULLS

Coach: Carie Bodo

2015 record: 12-4

Key players

Mackenzie Heldberg, M, Sr.

Natalia Lynch, M, Sr.

Marisa D’Amico, G, Sr.

Chelsea Witteck, A, Jr.

Katie Aldrich, D, Jr.

Outlook: Heldberg, Lynch and freshman Taylor Menella provide quickness and craftiness in midfield. 14 players return from last year’s squad that fell to Middle Country in the county semifinal.

WARD MELVILLE PATRIOTS

Coach: Kerri Kilkenny

2015 record: 11-7

Key players

Holly Regan, A, Sr.

Kaitlin Thornton, A, Jr.

Kerry McKeever, M, Jr.

Kelly Quinn, D, Jr.

Hannah Hobbes, M, Jr.

Outlook: Hannah Hobbes and twin sister Madison, both track runners, provide incredible speed in midfield.

NORTH BABYLON BULLDOGS

Coach: Michelle Ceraso

2015 record: 11-5

Key players

Ally Kennedy, M, Sr.

Barbara Orsini, A, Sr.

Dana Sheriff, M, Sr.

Alayna Heegan, A, Sr.

Kianna Franklin, M, Sr.

Outlook: Kennedy, who tallied 75 goals last season and is committed to Stony Brook, returns to lead a group that made it to the county final for the first time last season.

COMMACK COUGARS

Coach: Melissa Read

2015 record: 9-8

Key players

Brianna Cook, D, Sr.

Julia Manetta, A, Sr.

Amy Hauser, A, Sr.

Diana Johnston, M, Sr.

Julia Bradley, D, Sr.

Outlook: The Cougars return their three leading goal scorers from last season in Hauser (47 goals), Johnston (46) and Manetta (31). Cook is a force on defense.

SACHEM EAST

FLAMING ARROWS

Coach: Brianne Costello

2015 record: 7-8

Key players

Cara Trombetta, M, Sr.

Jackie Albanese, G, Sr.

Megan Organ, D, Sr.

Lori Engelken, A, Sr.

Jessie Vigh, A, Sr.

Outlook: Albanese made 125 saves last season and is a vocal leader on defense. Trombetta anchors the midfield.

SACHEM NORTH

FLAMING ARROWS

Coach: Alexis Curcio

2015 record: 7-9

Key players

Madison Hoffer, M, Sr.

Brittani Sergio, M, Sr.

Alexa Punzone, D, Sr.

Eve Calabria, A, Jr.

Samantha Russo, D, Jr.

Outlook: Freshman midfielder Carolyn O’Brien will provide a spark on both sides of the field.

HALF HOLLOW HILLS

THUNDERCOLTS

Coach: Lori Horbach

2015 record: 8-7

Key players

Paulina Difatta, G, Sr.

Kelly Sullivan, M, So.

Sam Leva, M, So.

Julia Pascarella, A, Jr.

Anabella Manetta, M, Sr.

Outlook: Difatta is one of only five seniors on a young team, and will serve as the backbone of the defense. She made over 450 saves the previous three seasons combined.

BAY SHORE MARAUDERS

Coach: Natasha Fuchs

2015 record: 5-10

Key players

Sarah Trupp, D/M, Sr.

Annie Casey, G, Jr.

Tatianna Finney, D, Sr.

Lauren Hendricks, A, Fr.

Ariel Beane, M, Jr.

Outlook: Trupp has excellent speed and field vision, and will make an impact in transition this season. She is committed to Stetson University.

CONNETQUOT

THUNDERBIRDS

Coach: Sal Piscitelli

2015 record: 8-7

Megan McLoughlin, D, So.

Nicole Migliozzi, D, So.

McKenzie Richardson, A, So.

Gina Barbera, A, Fr.

Rachel Strayer, M, Jr.

Outlook: McLoughlin and Migliozzi are aggressive defenders that are capable of keeping it a low-score game.

PATCHOGUE-MEDFORD RAIDERS

Coach: Emily Armstrong

2015 record: 6-8

Key players

Madison Ostrick, M, Sr.

Riley Reh, M, Jr.

Casey Dugan, D/M, Sr.

Alexis Hillman, A, Sr.

Caitlin Dellecave, A, 8th grade

Outlook: Ostrick (47 goals last season) and Reh (35 goals) give the Raiders a formidable one-two punch on attack.

FLOYD COLONIALS

Coach: Brian Midwinter

2015 record: 7-8

Key players

Allison Conn, M, Sr.

Leah Kelly, M, Sr.

Veandra Selby, G, Sr.

Jenna Hart, D, Sr.

Mikaela Rios, A, Sr.

Outlook: A tenacious defense will be key as the Colonials seek their first postseason berth in four years.

LINDENHURST BULLDOGS

Coach: Paul DiGiulio

2015 record: 4-12

Key players

Victoria Raimondi, G, Sr.

Senna Tadfie, M, Sr.

Alexis Perdue, M, Sr.

Taylor Hazelton, A, Jr.

Ashley Chieca, D, Jr.

Outlook: Raimondi is a stalwart in net and is excellent in one-on-one situations. She is committed to Philadelphia University.

LONGWOOD LIONS

Coach: Randall Grossman

2015 record: 4-12

Key players

Alison Johnson, A, Sr.

Tori Staker, M, Jr.

Angelica Lopez, A, Sr.

Paige Delong, G, Sr.

Kyla Andreas, D, 8th grade

Outlook: Johnson (68 goals, 37 assists last season), Staker (42 goals, 14 assists) and Lopez (25 goals, 11 assists) provide the Lions with a potent attack.

RIVERHEAD BLUE WAVES

Coach: Ashley King

2015 record: 4-10

Key players

Courtney Troyan, M, Sr.

Kayla Kielbasa, M, Fr.

Julia Thomas, D, Jr.

Meghan Kielbasa, A, 8th grade

Katherine Goodale, D, 8th grade

Outlook: Troyan (committed to Stony Brook) provides a veteran presence on a young team. She had 35 goals, 38 draw controls and 21 ground balls last season.

BRENTWOOD INDIANS

Coach: Danielle Lillis

2015 record: 2-14

Key players

Keydy Espinoza, M, Jr.

Shyla Murray, M, Jr.

Dana Delaney, A, Jr.

Ashley Burrowes, A, Sr.

Cynthia Chicas, A, Sr.

Outlook: Experienced group that returns most of its starters from last year. Espinoza is poised for a breakout season.

WHITMAN WILDCATS

Coach: Lisa Christiansen

2015 record: 1-13

Key players

Kelly Baumann, M, Sr.

Nicole DeLuca, M, Sr.

Olivia Popawski, D, Jr.

Casey O’Riordan, D, Jr.

Kayla Neiland, A, Sr.

Outlook: Saw gradual improvement as the 2015 season went on. Baumann and DeLuca will be catalysts as the team continues to improve this year.

COPIAGUE EAGLES

Coach: Christie Layden

2015 record: 0-14

Key players

Anna Zaborowska, M, Jr.

Ashley Hudson, A, Jr.

Deanna Iannotta, M, Jr.

Christina Orvieto, A, Sr.

Rebecca Yackel, M, Jr.

Outlook: Zaborowska, who scored 23 goals last season, leads a young and athletic group.

SUFFOLK II

MOUNT SINAI MUSTANGS

Coach: Al Bertolone

2015 record: 20-1

Key players

Emily Vengilio, D, Jr.

Hannah Van Middelem, G, Jr.

Meaghan Tyrrell, A, So.

Camryn Harloff, A, So.

Caroline Hoeg, M, Sr.

Outlook: A powerhouse that won the Class C title last season, Mount Sinai will start 12 players who are committed to Division I programs, with five more coming off the bench.

HAUPPAUGE EAGLES

Coach: Diana Lopez

2015 record: 14-5

Key players

Katie Murphy, M, Jr.

Olivia Esposito, M, Jr.

Kaitlin Cronin, A, Jr.

Nicole Scudero, M, So.

Danielle Waters, D, So.

Outlook: Cronin was injured last season and will inject a spark into the offense. Murphy and Esposito are threats on either side of the field.

SAYVILLE

GOLDEN FLASHES

Coach: Adam Sznitken

2015 record: 15-5

Key players

Kelly Marra, M, Jr.

Bell Coan, M, So.

Meg Havranek, Jr.

Lauren McNeill, A, Jr.

Emily Manning, G, Fr.

Outlook: Seven starters graduated last year, leaving Sayville with a young squad for 2016. Marra provides a veteran presence on both offense and defense.

EASTPORT-SOUTH MANOR

SHARKS

Coach: Rebecca Thorn

2015 record: 19-3

Key players

Kaeli Huff, M, Sr.

Kelsey Huff, M, Jr.

Kasey Choma, M, Fr.

Kelly Gomez, D, Sr.

Laura Kesnig, A, Sr.

Outlook: The Sharks return their offensive punch – Kaeli Huff, sister Kelsey Huff and Choma – from last year’s state title team. Kelly Gomez will serve as the quarterback on defense.

BAYPORT-BLUE POINT

PHANTOMS

Coach: Ryan Gick

2015 record: 13-4

Key players

Kerrigan Miller, M, Sr.

Jill Rall, G, Sr.

Kyla Zapolski, M, Jr.

Cassidy Weeks, M, So.

Courtney Weeks, M. So.

Outlook: The Weeks twins are armed with great offensive skills and are dangerous in transition. Junior defender Ally Alliegro has a knack for getting the knockdown or forced turnover.

HUNTINGTON BLUE DEVILS

Coach: Jess Maggio

2015 record: 10-6

Key players

Katie Reilly, M, Sr.

Emma DeGennaro, A, Sr.

Emma Greenhill, M, So.

Ryan Garnet, M, Jr.

Camille Stafford, D/M, Jr.

Outlook: Reilly (34 goals, 53 assists last season) and DeGennaro (39 goals, 11 assists) are elite scorers that can also distribute very effectively.

WEST BABYLON EAGLES

Coach: Colleen Kilgus

2015 record: 9-9

Key players

Samantha Geiersbach, M, Sr.

Kayla Downey, M, Fr.

Jessica Smith, G, So.

Emily Heller, M, Fr.

Hannah Heller, M, Fr.

Outlook: Geiersbach and Downey are offensive threats that are also strong defenders. Smith is a transfer from Sacred Heart who has great athleticism and field vision.

HARBORFIELDS TORNADOES

Coach: Kerri McGinty

2015 record: 9-5

Key players

Ella Simkins, M, Sr.

Grace Zagaja, M, Jr.

Caitlin Schaefer, A, Sr.

Grace Steinthal, D, Jr.

Falyn Dwyer, M, Jr.

Outlook: Simkins, who is committed to Syracuse, is a crafty distributor and will facilitate the offense.

SHOREHAM-WADING RIVER

WILDCATS

Coach: Brittany Davis

2015 record: 9-7

Key players

Sophia Triandafils, M, Jr.

Samantha Higgins, M, Jr.

Erin Triandafils, M, So.

Isabella Meli, M, Fr.

Jesse Arline, Jr.

Outlook: Experienced group that will lean on Sophia Triandafils to run the offense.

MATTITUCK / SOUTHOLD /

GREENPORT TUCKERS

Coach: Matt Maloney

2015 record: 11-6

Key players

Katie Hoeg, M, Sr.

Audrey Hoeg, M, Sr.

Alexandra Beebe, D, So.

Jane DiGregorio, M, So.

Riley Hoeg, A, Fr.

Outlook: Coming off the program’s first 10-win season, the Tuckers will look to cousins Katie and Audrey Hoeg as they try to top last year’s finish -- a loss to Mount Sinai in a Class C semifinal.

WESTHAMPTON

HURRICANES

Coach: Mary Bergmann

2015 record: 8-8

Key players

Isabella Recchion, A/M, Sr.

Caitlin Smith, A, Sr.

Isabelle Smith, M, 8th grade

Hailey Daleo, A, So.

Julia Lewis, D, Sr.

Outlook: Employing a rigorous conditioning program, the Hurricanes are an agile and shifty group.

COMSEWOGUE WARRIORS

Coach: Jim Fernandes

2015 record: 11-5

Key players

Hannah Dorney, M, So.

Jamie Fischer, M, Jr.

Kiki Venza, M, So.

Brianna Blatter, G, So.

Kellie Znaniecki, A/M, Jr.

Outlook: A strong defense will compliment Blatter in cage. The goalie made 114 saves last season.

ROCKY POINT EAGLES

Coach: Dan Spallina

2015 record: 6-8

Key players

Maddie Sanchez, M, So.

Christina Bellissimo, M, So.

Jillian LoManto, A, Sr.

Brianna Carrasquillo, M, Fr.

Mackenzie Shanahan, D, Sr.

Sanchez and Bellissimo are dynamic two-way players that the Eagles will lean on as they make a postseason push.

BABYLON PANTHERS

Coach: Timothy Harrison

2015 record: 8-8

Key players

Shayne Antolini, M, Sr.

Megan Nerney, M, Sr.

Nicole Holder, M, Sr.

Shannon Hartigan, M, Sr.

Montana Craft, D, Jr.

Outlook: Antolini is a versatile offensive threat. Nerney defends against top opponents, and Holder is another lockdown defender with great footwork.

MILLER PLACE PANTHERS

Coach: Thomas Carro

2015 record: 5-10

Key players

Alyssa Parrella, M, Sr.

Kristin Roberto, M, Sr.

Ally Turturro, A, Sr.

Ava Burns, D, Fr.

Arianna Esposito, M, Jr.

Outlook: Esposito’s ability to come up with balls off the draw circle is crucial in jumpstarting the offense. Parrella and Roberto are both dynamic offensive threats.

EAST ISLIP REDMEN

Coach: Steven Levy

2015 record: 7-9

Key players

Alexa Mattera, M, Sr.

Melissa Sconone, A, Fr.

Therese Mittleman, M, Sr.

Angelina Perrone, M, Jr.

Alix Salim, G, Sr.

Outlook: Mattera had 28 goals and 17 assists last season, and will assume an even larger role in the offense this year. The athletic midfielder is committed to Hofstra.

ISLIP BUCCANEERS

Coach: Masina Longo

2015 record: 6-9

Key players

Taryn Ohlmiller, M, Sr.

Cheyenne Coughlin, A, Sr.

Caleigh Decaprio, A, Sr.

Emma Rafferty, M, Jr.

Erin Renwick, G, Jr.

Outlook: Ohlmiller is the focal point on offense, but Coughlin (38 goals, 33 assists last season) gives the Bucs another versatile weapon on attack.

EAST HAMPTON /

BRIDGEHAMPTON /

PIERSON BONACKERS

Coach: Caitlin King

2015 record: 6-8

Key players

Jacqui Thorsen, M, Jr.

Lucy Emptage, A, So.

Elizabeth Bistrian, M, So.

Katie McGovern, D, Jr.

Hollie Schleicher, M, Fr.

Outlook: The combination of Thorsen, Emptage and Bistrian gives the team a quick, talented attack.

BELLPORT CLIPPERS

Coach: Kasey Krol

2015 record: 7-9

Key players

Kiara Burke, M, Sr.

Mary Mackie, M, Sr.

Frankie Porcaro, M, Jr.

Casey Myers, A, So.

Melanie Dunning, D, So.

Outlook: After graduating 12 seniors, the Clippers will rely on the leadership of Burke and Mackie, both of whom have excellent instincts and are aggressive on offense.

KINGS PARK KINGSMEN

Coach: Sally Ayres

2015 record: 6-10

Key players

Jillian Winwood, M, Jr.

Kayla Buell, D, Sr.

Shannon Savage, M, Jr.

Rachel Slagle, A, Sr.

Kristen Frizol, D/M, Sr.

Outlook: Winwood provides the spark on offense, while Buell is excellent in one-on-one defensive assignments.

GLENN KNIGHTS

Coach: Janine Bright

2015 record: 5-10

Key players

Amelia Biancardi

Victoria Tsangaris

Madisyn Hausch

Lauren Rincon

Lindsay Feuerzieg

Outlook: The Knights suffered four losses of four or more goals last season. With Biancardi, Tsangaris and Hausch leading the attack, they hope to win more of the close games this year.

DEER PARK

FALCONS

Coach: Nina Ragone

2015 record: 3-12

Key players

Kasey Dorney, M, So.

Kellee Washington, A, Sr.

Brianna Catrombone, D/M, Sr.

Alexa Skoubas, M, 8th grade

Sam Giroux, M, 8th grade

Outlook: Captains Washington and Catrombone provide veteran leadership, while Dorney will be a catalyst in transition.

CENTER MORICHES

RED DEVILS

Coach: Paul Raimondi

2015 record: 2-13

Key players

Janine Ratti, M, Sr.

Paige Volkmann, A, Jr.

Catherine Nolan, M, Sr.

Alyssa Forssell, M, Sr.

Maddie Juliano, A, So.

Outlook: Ball movement and transition offense are strengths. Ratti and Volkmann both have excellent shooting abilities.

HAMPTON BAYS BAYMEN

Coach: Teresa Strano

2015 record: 1-13

Key players

Colette Levine, G, So.

McCaila Grismer, D, Sr.

Gabby Morea, M, Sr.

Karla Solano, D, Jr.

Casi Radzuil, M, So.

Outlook: Levine has quick reflexes in cage and made 135 saves last season.

MERCY

MONARCHS

Coach: Walter Flaherty

2015 record: 0-13

Savanah Connors, A/M, Sr.

Savannah Hauser, A, Jr.

Siobhan Merrill, M, Jr.

Kate Sarich, D, Sr.

Mia Behrens, D, Jr.

Outlook: Connors and Hauser provide the Monarchs with a solid attack.