The first Spring Big 10
Chaminade goalie Daniel Fowler moves the ball through midfield after making the save against West Islip. (March 30, 2013) Credit: George A. Faella
1. CHAMINADE BOYS LACROSSE:
The No. 2 team in the country started the season with two big wins. The first was a 9-5 win over Manhasset, followed by an 8-0 win against Fordham Prep. The team has an enormous amount of speed. There's a good mix of standout seniors such as Ryan Lukacovic and juniors such as Sam Bonafede.
2. ST. ANTHONY'S GIRLS LACROSSE:
The Friars captured a fifth straight CHSAA Class AA title last season, ranked No. 3 in the country by LaxPower, and this season have enough talent to surpass those accomplishments. Led by All-American midfielder Maggie Bill (committed to North Carolina), Kasey Behr (Virginia) and Jenny Schwalje (Georgetown), the Friars have a wealth of talent.
3. KELLENBERG SOFTBALL:
The Firebirds, coming off a 29-0 season that ended with a state championship, are primed for another title run. They have Krista King atop the lineup, Sabrina DeAngelis in the circle and Stephanie Staiano and Amanda Crimarco in the infield.
4. BAY SHORE GIRLS LACROSSE:
The defending Long Island champions return most of last year's squad, highlighted by junior midfielder Kyra Harney and defender Perri Baker. The Marauders, ranked 10th in the nation after last year, couple a brawny offense with a brainy defense and remain the favorites in Class A.
5. CHAMINADE BASEBALL:
A deep pitching staff led by senior Dan Caniano and an offense led by senior third baseman Brian Trabulsi will make the Flyers the team to beat in the CHSAA.
6. MANHASSET GIRLS LACROSSE:
The Indians were the 21st-ranked team in the country last season, despite losing in the Nassau Class B semifinals. Manhasset returns most of its core, including All-American midfielder Julia Glynn, and is expected to be among the prime contenders for a state title.
7. MacARTHUR SOFTBALL:
The defending Long Island Class AA champion opened the season strong, defeating county Class A champion Plainedge, 2-0. UMass-bound Jena Cozza hit a two-run homer in the fifth and Ashley Massoni allowed two hits and struck out 11.
8. HALF HOLLOW HILLS GIRLS BADMINTON:
The Thundercolts enter the year riding a 45-match winning streak dating to 2009. They have won three straight Suffolk championships. Senior Gina Augusta and junior Carly Cordano return to defend their county doubles championship after going 18-1 at first doubles last season.
9. SMITHTOWN EAST GIRLS GOLF:
Smithtown East went 14-0 and won its first Long Island Championship last year. The Bulls also won their second straight Suffolk championship with a county-record score of 882. Freshmen Peyton Greco, Alexa Niven and Cassie Hall all return after strong years as eighth-graders last year.
10. CONNETQUOT BASEBALL:
Shortstop Casey Baker is one of Long Island's top all-around players. He leads a senior-oriented team, including pitcher Brian McKean, who pitched well in an opening win over Sachem East.
ON THE OUTSIDE LOOKING IN:
Kellenberg girls softball, Garden City boys lacrosse, Bay Shore girls track, St. Anthony's boys track, Northport boys track.
