Girls golf: Even Garden City's 'B' team is tough
WEST DIVISION
In addition to their Maroon team that has gone undefeated in Nassau for the past six seasons and has won three of the last four Long Island championships, Garden City also has what could be considered a "minor league'' team at the varsity level.
The White team gives Garden City golfers who didn't make the Maroon cut a chance to qualify for the county tournament. The school is so rich in talent that the team finished second in the division and fourth in the counties last season.
Its "major league'' affiliate returns five starters that finished in the top 18 at counties last year. With senior captain Erica Gambardella's short game and eighth-grader Sam Sessa's ability to hit fairways, a three-peat seems inevitable for Maroon.
Sewanhaka District will progress as Casey Durant, who drives the ball to distances that shouldn't be reached by an eighth-grader, continues to improve.
EAST DIVISION
Syosset will be Garden City's biggest threat in Nassau behind a pair of All-County golfers in state qualifier Rohini Rudra, who showed great accuracy last season, and senior Tara Petruzillo, who added distance in the offseason.
SOUTH DIVISION
Jericho's depth, led by the all-around game of Shannon Chadha, makes it the preseason favorite. Locust Valley sophomore Amanda West is only getting better, especially off the tee.
LEAGUE I
The Hauppauge golf program has been turned around by a talented group of seniors that includes Joyce Adams and Monica Yi. But co-league champ Bay Shore may thwart any further progress with an imposing duo of Jessica Downs and Ali Hoffman.
Julie Flaherty leads an up-and-coming West Islip team and West Babylon has a potential state qualifier in Emily Toner.
LEAGUE II
The favorite in Suffolk's toughest league is Smithtown West, which has won two straight county championships and could add many more with freshman Victoria Snak in the number one spot. League co-champion Smithtown East returns its entire team, led by junior Katie Fitzharris.
Commack has added depth to complement its two-time state champion Suzie Lee. Half Hollow Hills West features two-time state qualifier Michelle Rosenhouse, who will outdrive most competition. Northport's Krissy Unger and Cameron Lambertson are each coming off strong showings in states.
LEAGUE III
Undefeated league champ Mount Sinai will have a senior at each starting position, the most consistent of which is Elizabeth Delio. Laura Yasson leads a solid top three for Ward Melville.
LEAGUE IV
Sayville will challenge for a county championship with a dangerous trio of seniors in Jenn Clinton, Julie MacDonnell and Cynthia Cheng.
East Islip is solid at one through four with Katherine Alfieri leading the way. Bayport-Blue Point is also strong with senior Jackie Norwark and freshman Annie Caminiti.
CHSAA
CHSAA player of the year Elizabeth Abbondandolo, freshman Hannah Pohalski and Mercy look to defend their title against Caroline Lydon-led St. Anthony's and Sacred Heart.
