Suffolk girls soccer preview

Four of the five Long Island representatives at the state tournament in Cortland last season — West Islip, Center Moriches, Stony Brook, and Smithtown Christian — were a product of Suffolk County.

With a new season just under way, determining which representatives will emerge from the county later this fall has become harder to predict. Many coaches attribute the unpredictability of the upcoming season to the parity and competitiveness that has developed throughout the county in recent years. The disparity between teams has closed considerably and many leagues are available for the taking. It makes for what should be an intriguing road through Suffolk County to Cortland.

Class AA

For the past two seasons, the Class AA Long Island championship has gone through Islip. Two years ago it went East, last year West. The rivalry renews this season as West Islip and East Islip reunite in League III.

"If we go 2-15 and the two wins are against EI," West Islip coach Nick Grieco said, "everyone is happy."

While midfielder Lauren Bellone leads a young West Islip offense, the defense returns intact led by goalkeeper Samantha Whitney and sweeper Melissa Fegreto. East Islip hopes to return the title to the opposite side of town with a healthy Cari Roccaro on the attack in center-midfield and Katelyn Koslosky in net.

Smithtown East and West: Another crosstown rivalry will take place in Smithtown where forward Erin Froehlich and center-back Katie Lamanna lead West and goalkeeper Michelle Conrad and defender Stephanie Kollmer lead East.

Sachem East features a pair of all-state players in Alyssa Gutierrez and striker Kelsey Ferguson.

Ward Melville will be in contention with goalkeeper Ally Ramos and midfielder Morgan Governale.

Patchogue-Medford hopes to be more offensive minded behind Michelle Kawko and Kendel Collins in midfield.

Connetquot will be strong up the middle in League II with all-state Deanna Murino alongside Raychel Diver in center-midfield.

Northport's Kristi Abbate, first-team all-state and Suffolk Player of the Year, will move from center-midfield to forward in order to be closer to the attack while Rosie Hayes moves to the backfield.

Sachem North: Center-midfielder Courtney Cohen and keeper Erin McNulty hope to avenge a heartbreaking loss in the county championship.

North Babylon will be the favorite in League IV with all-state forward Casey Filippone leading an offense that includes Emily Ude and Emily Greco.

Hauppauge and Huntington: Last year's Class A county finalists move to Class AA and join a competitive League V. Hauppauge returns the core of its championship team led by all-state center-midfielder Stephanie Peragallo and keeper Diana Poulin. Huntington will field a strong offensive team with forwards Emma Hayes-Hurley and Emilee Pugliese.

Class A

Islip, in League V, has a game-changer in Katie Hyland who will combine with Paige Costantino and Ashley Nieves. Kings Park: Meghan Eckel will dictate the flow of the game in center-midfield while keeper Nina Ottaviano controls the defense.

Sayville seniors Kelly Santangelo and Dariann Sellitti will run the offense for a deep team in League VI.

Shoreham-Wading River has an aggressive attack fueled by all-state midfielder Kari Quinn and forward Meghan Seabrook.

Miller Place: Forwards Emma Davis and Ashlyn Stiles lead the Panthers.

Mt. Sinai: In League VII, a young team will be led by two senior veterans in midfielder Sarah O'Brien and defender Amanda LiRosi.

Bayport-Blue Point is strong at center-midfield with Rebecca Raber and Danielle Heyder.

Class B

Center Moriches, coming off a trip to the state semifinals, will look to be more offensive minded behind midfielder Emma Whittle but remains strong on defense with Alexis Parlato and keeper Kelsey Glanzman in League VII.

Mattituck, with all-state Amber Mello in center-midfield and Courtney Birkmier in net, is solid all around.

Southhold/Greenport: Seniors Emily Metz, Megan Knapp, and Emma Richter will lead a young team.

Class C

Stony Brook: The state champion Bears are primed for a repeat. Top three goal scorers - Player of the Year Donna Liotine, all-state Michelle Hennessy and striker Kelsey Wentling - are returning, as is the heart of the defense with keeper Danielle Pappas and sweeper Brianna Stiklickas.

Class D

Smithtown Christian: Talented forwards Christina Casamassina and Chelsea Bellini lead the defending LI champs.