Suffolk League IV Preview

NORTH BABYLON

Last Season: 9-2-1 (12-3-1), lost 4-0 to West Islip in semifinals

It’s not how the Bulldogs start, it’s how they finish. After getting off to a 2-3 start last season, North Bab didn’t lose another game until the county semifinals, which the Bulldogs have qualified for the past two seasons. A third straight trip to the semis is entirely possible with first-team all-state Emily Ude (pictured) on the field. The versatile senior, who will start most games at forward, is a tenacious player who never stops moving, as seen by her 13 goals and 13 assists for a county-high 26 points last season. She is joined by senior forward Jessica Eifert, who had six goals and six assists as a part-time player last season, and junior attacking center-mid Kelsie Brostek. Senior Megan Binder, who moves from stopper to sweeper, and senior keeper Kelly Heimerle, who has gone 22-5 with 13 shutouts the past two seasons, will look to get the Bulldogs back to the final four and possibly beyond.

Season Opener: Sept. 8, scrimmage against the defending state champions Massapequa…Non-league schedule kicks off Sept. 12 vs. Lindenhurst

DEER PARK

Last Season: 10-1-1 (10-3-1), lost 2-1 to Connetquot in quarterfinals

The defending League V champs move up to what will be a very competitive League IV. A couple of key pieces graduated but plenty of talent returns, including senior all-county center-midfielder Jenai Davidson. The four-year varsity player can play off both feet and knows how to use her speed and body to her advantage, making her tough to mark. Junior forward Nicolette Torici will patrol the wing while junior keepr Larisa Zambelli, who enters her fourth season as a starter, secures the backfield.

Season Opener: Sept. 9, at Kings Park

HALF HOLLOW HILLS WEST

Last Season: 10-2 (13-2), lost 2-1 to East Islip in first round

Hills West looks to build on last season, in which the team got off to an 8-0 start en route to a League IV title. They enter the season strong offensively with a pair of strikers in senior Marisa Rosen and junior Sarah Matzelle, who combine with junior center-mid Julia DiMaria to work very well as a unit when on the attack. The defense can also hold its own, led by senior sweeper Christina Magel, who dominates the back line.

Season Opener: Sept. 10, vs. Lindenhurst

WEST BABYLON

Last Season: 9-2-1 (13-2-1), lost on penalty kicks to Deer Park in first round

A very young team looking to avenge last year’s heartbreaking loss in the first round of the playoffs. Despite its youth, West Bab is a well-rounded squad that displays strong technical skills. Just five seniors return, led by midfielder Jessica Maizur, who had six goals and nine assists last season.

Season Opener: Sept. 9, vs. Islip

HAUPPAUGE

Last Season: 5-4-3 (7-5-4), lost 1-0 to Comsewogue in outbracket

The fact that senior center-midfielder Stephanie Peragallo enters the season in what Hauppauge coach Jessica Kulesa calls the best shape of her career is a frightening proposition for the rest of the county. Now in her fifth season on varsity, Peragallo has been one of the county’s most dynamic players since leading Hauppauge to a Class A county title as a sophomore. Peragallo has been the team’s leading scorer – out of the midfield - in three of her four seasons and earned fourth-team all-state honors last season. Hauppauge has never been known as a team that will put up a lot of goals, but they also won’t allow many with junior keeper Diana Poulin in net.

Season Opener: Sept. 12, at Smithtown West

COPIAGUE: 0-12 (1-13)...Season Opener: Sept. 9, at Brentwood

RIVERHEAD: 2-10 (3-10)…Season Opener: Sept. 13, vs. Sachem East

**COMING SOON: LEAGUE V PREVIEW**