The build up of releasing the top 25 teams in our preseason rankings has led us to the number one ranked team. This would be the Long Island Class A defending champion Northport Lady Tigers. Last year they went a perfect 18-0 on their way to the title where they defeated Massapequa. This year Northport aims to not only defend their LIC but also bring home another state championship. Many of the players who were part of their championship run are returning this season. Longtime head coach Carol Rainson-Rose shared her excitement about getting back on the field with such a talented team.
“We are very excited coming into the 2022 season as we return many players from the 2021 Long Island Championship team. We are talented, have depth and great team chemistry. It should be another good year for the Tigers.”
Northport has an offense that is definitely difficult to contain. They averaged 13 goals per game last season which was the most out of any team in Suffolk County. Two of their major returning players at attack are All-County senior Kaylie Mackiewicz (Duke) and All-Division senior Shannon Smith (High Point). This duo is a lethal combination that combined for 131 points last season. Mackiewicz led all players with 66 goals, and Smith was second with 39. The two of them are primed for more greatness in 2022.
The midfield unit will be spearheaded by All-County seniors Ella Cabrera (UNC), and Isabella Germani (Stony Brook) as well as All-Tournament junior Emma McLam (Delaware). Last year Germani was an explosive scorer, racking up 37 goals along with 11 assists for 48 points. Cabrera brings tremendous speed to the table which allows her to play in transition which is where she is at her best. She scored 11 goals and dished out 6 assists in 2021. McLam made significant contributions as a sophomore, giving the team 10 goals. Expect even more from her as she enters her junior season.
Two players they will be without on the offensive end are 2021 graduates Tara Walsh and Emma Demarco. Walsh was an All-County honorable mention and one of their starting attackers that had a huge season, tallying 57 points which was good for the second most on the team. Demarco was an All-Division midfielder that played a significant role in their success. She finished last season with 17 goals and 17 assists. Neither one of them are easy to replace, but Northport still has plenty of talent on the team that still makes them a dynamic offense.
Defensively Northport looks to once again be at or near the top in defensive rating. They allowed only five goals per game and gave up just 92 on the season which was the fifth fewest of any team in Suffolk County. Two of their returning defenders are seniors Angelina Longo (ASU) and Charlotte McGroarty (Assumption). They will be playing in front of junior goaltender Megan Morris (Marist) who had an outstanding sophomore season. She made 101 saves and allowed only 86 goals for a 54% save percentage. Morris was awarded the team’s Unsung Hero Award last season. A couple of their defenders that were in the class of 2021 were Lindsey Lindvall and Sophia Lamendola. Lindvall was an All-County defender was the MVP of the team last season while Lamendola was an All-County honorable mention.
Two young guns that are currently in eighth grade that might have an opportunity to see the field this season are Emma Greenberg and Kate Atkinson. One of their young guns who got plenty of playing time last year as a freshman was Julia Huxtable. She finished with 12 assists and five goals for 17 points at attack. Huxtable is also fresh off of playing in the LILJ High School Winter League. She brings tremendous vision which allows her to be a great playmaker for her teammates.
The 2022 season presents a full schedule for Northport this year that will see them against some tough opponents that pushed them to the brink last season. Some notable games are as followed:
Northport @ Bay Shore (4/2)
Connetquot @ Northport (4/8)
Commack @ Northport (4/11)
Northport @ William Floyd (4/20)
Huntington @ Northport (4/26)
Northport @ Ward Melville (5/3)
Smithtown East @ Northport (5/9)
Northport has seen plenty of players that grew up playing for the program and have gone on to play at elite D1 schools. Here are a few of their notable alumni.
Jill Byers- Notre Dame
Meghan McNamara- Maryland
Cortney Fortunato- Notre Dame
Shannon Gilroy- Florida
Olivia Carner- Duke
Danielle Pavinelli-Florida
Emerson Cabrera-Florida
Dorrien Van Dyke-Stony Brook
Brooke Gubitosi-Stony Brook
