With the start of the 2024 season just around the corner, it’s a great time to start taking a dive into the many teams across the island as they get ready to hit the ground running this spring. The slate is clean for every team going into the new season as aspirations and team goals vary from program to program. Soon the LILJ will be releasing it’s top 24 preseason rankings going into the 2024 season, but before the top 24 teams, let’s preview some of the island’s high school girls teams to watch as we get closer and closer to the first week of regular season games.
Babylon Panthers- Babylon returns this season after appearing in the Suffolk Class D County Final in 2023 and see many of their integral players from last year returning, poised to once again contend for a county title. The Panthers productivity starts at the midfield with Virginia bound midfielder Sophia Conti who had a team high 64 points last season with 48 goals and 16 assists. Also in their senior class who will provide a scoring punch is Brooke Gengler at attack and Brooke Kenedy (Hofstra) from the midfield. In the 2026 class, Babylon is sure to get plenty of production from their midfielders Lily Krollage and Peyton Logue-Boyd who were significant contributors as freshmen, providing 28 and 38 points respectively. The net will be protected by sophomore Addison Costa who was last year’s starter as a freshman. It won’t be long before we see if this Babylon team has another playoff run in them.
Baldwin Bruins- The Bruins were on the cusp of making the playoffs in 2023 but fell just short after losing in the play in game to East Meadow. This year they return their entire team after having no 2023 graduates, something that they can use to their advantage. Their top scorer on attack from last season CJ Keryc enters her sophomore season, while the midfield features players including senior captain Emma Ryan, and young gun Kaitlyn Timmes who is back after recovering from injury which prematurely ended her first season on varsity last year. Defensively they return senior captain Alexis Lakeram as well as senior goalie Megan Englehart. At the helm dating back to 2015 is Rebecca LaFlare who gave her thoughts on the Bruins heading into the season.
“We have our full team coming back this season. We didn’t have any seniors so we have been using this advantage by playing together more often during the off season. The girls seem more comfortable playing with one another and gained some confidence after being the schools very first conference champions.”
Bellport Clippers- After a season that saw Bellport appear in the playoffs last season, they are back in 2024 with a roster that will be looking to get right back to the postseason and advance a step further. They return the overwhelming majority of their team, led by senior midfielder Andie Pedatella (Lafayette) and senior attacker Brynn Johnsen, each recording over 60 points last year. Mixed in with their seniors is junior Ella Masem, sophomores Cassidy Hanley, Kyran Murphy, and eighth grader Taylor LaGrega. Bellport will certainly hope for junior goalie Ava Salinas to have another season like last year in which she compiled 119 saves with a 48% save percentage. The continuity of the Clippers roster gives them a good chance to find themselves competing once again for a spot in the playoffs.
Calhoun Colts- The Colts made an appearance in the Nassau Class B semifinals last season where they were defeated by Long Beach. Back in 2024 with many players from last year’s team, Calhoun hopes for another successful season where they can possibly find themselves in the final four in late May. The front line of the Colts offense features Shannon Lewis, Isabella Vieni, and Samantha Kalinoglu at attack. Their top two midfielders Hannah Lewis (Sacred Heart) and Alex Aievoli (Campbell) are also among their returning offensive players. Defensively the Colts will largely look the same as the team looks for similar success this season.
Carey Seahawks- Coming out of Nassau County are the Carey Seahawks who are coached by Paul Luzzi who is now in year two with the team. After going just 2-11 last year, Luzzi is eager about his team going into 2024 with their returning players and key contributors who were on junior varsity last year.
“I am very excited for this upcoming season because we return many of our starting players from last year’s team, including our starting goalie Kaylin DeJesus. In addition, we have a really good group of juniors coming up from last year’s JV team.”
At attack they welcome back Alina LaRosa and from the midfield, five of their key returners include Leila Paz, Mia Vintimilla, Catrina Parrino, Kaitlyn McGrath, and Sarah Mae Scavelli. On the defensive side of the ball their key returning defenders include Gianna DiMatteo, Nicole Alexandre, and Taylor Agostino.
Center Moriches Red Devils- Looking to once again contend for the Suffolk Class D championship are the Center Moriches Red Devils led by Head Coach Paul Raimondi. After falling short in the semi finals a season ago Center Moriches will be without some of their top offensive players who were part of the Class of 2023, but do welcome back their leading scorer from last season in Bryant commit Payton Noack who is sure to be a force once again this year. Alongside Noack as part their attack is Taylor Metzler (Bloomsberg), and Makayla Walsh (TCNJ). Headlining the Red Devils defense is senior Sophia Raimondi (Georgian Court), and the goaltending duties will be held by junior Riley Schildt (FDU) who compiled over 100 saves starting as a sophomore last season.
East Hampton Bonackers- East Hampton was on the outside of the playoff picture a season ago, but they bring back an older squad in 2024 as they return all but three players from last year. Returning as their top two scoring midfielders are Melina Sarlo (Hofstra) and Ava Tintle each of who will be team captains. Also back for the Bonackers is attacker Lily Perello and middie/defender Emma McGory who are also team captains. Second year head coach Joe DiGirlomo shared his thoughts about his team going into the season.
“We have a strong foundation in the midfield, a balanced attack, and a much improved goalie that will solidify our defense this year. If we play up to our potential and knock off a few teams ahead of us, we believe that we will be fighting for a playoff position come May.”
East Meadow Jets- Returning this season after making the second round of the playoffs last year, East Meadow is aiming to replicate that success in 2024. Nicolette Tortorici is in year three as the head coach and shared her thoughts about the excitement of her team this year.
“Embrace the grind, seize the moment, and let passion fuel your play. The 2024 girls lacrosse season promises thrilling battles and unforgettable moments. Success lies in unity, determination, and unwavering dedication to the game.”
On the offensive side of the ball East Meadow brings back Halle Lara at attack and Alexis Chew (Dominican) and Brooke Vislocky at midfield. They will also once again have the net protected by senior goalie Dynastee Ramos (Dominican).
Elmont Spartans- The Spartans come into this season having made the playoffs last year before being defeated by New Hyde Park in the opening round. Among their returning players include attacker Ivie Ihaza, goalie Saradjine Simeon, defender Karena Powell and midfielder Makayla Noel. Head Coach Kemola Webster is in her tenth season with the team and is looking forward to what she expects to be a competitive season.
“This will be a fun and competitive season with many returning seniors to lead the charge for the lady spartans. The players and coaches alike are super excited to see what the 2024 season will bring!”
Farmingdale Dalers- The Dalers are fresh off of an appearance in the Nassau Class A County Finals last year and are hopeful for another deep playoff run in 2024. Headlining their key returning upperclassmen include seniors midfielder Ashlinn Kelly (Mercy) Emily Markovina (Lemoyne) and senior attacker Isabella Recce. This team is also has two talented returning freshmen in their prolific attacker Juliann Brzeski and shut down defender Regan O’Connor, each showing that they will be pivotal players both in 2024 and beyond. The last line of defense will be the Flagler commit Dakota Capolino, looking to replicate her 148 save season in 2023 as Farmingdale prepares for what hopes to be another promising season.
Great Neck South Rebels- The Rebels hope for a better outcome in 2024 after going 0-9 last year. They are coached by Mara Manson who is in year five coaching the team. Their key returning players that will be looking to spark a bounce back season are Katie Wang and Kailey Fung. Coach Manson says they are a young team that is eager to learn and get better.
Harborfields Tornadoes- Playing in arguably the deepest conference on the island, Harborfields aims to be one of the Suffolk Class C teams that will be playing that third week of May in the playoffs after barley missing it in 2023. The roster this season shouldn’t see much change, as they return key upperclassmen including midfielders Bella Monteleone (Stony Brook), and Sawyer Scarola (Maryland), attackers Meaghan Fealy (Stonehill), and Kiera Medina (Mercy), defender Mackenzie Conversano (Saint Joseph’s), and goalie Olivia Eusanio. They also bring back a defense filled with sophomores in Devyn Slattery, Erin Lindkvist, and Juliet Gianfrancesco, along with two young guns who saw time as seventh graders in Jamie Medico and Nora Ruddy, both primed for an even bigger impact this year.
Huntington Blue Devils- In Suffolk Class A we have the Huntington Blue Devils led by Head Coach Katie Reilly who enters her second year at the helm. After an appearance in the playoffs in 2023, Huntington strives for another playoff berth with a team that has few upperclassmen and is filled with plenty of youth which was on display this winter in the HSWL. The upperclassmen that are returning include Kayleigh Bender the Hofstra commit who will quarterback this offense from attack, and Cornell bound junior Devon St. John the leader of the midfield unit. Adding to the midfield and in line to impact the game on offense, defense, and the draw circle is sophomore Jolie Weinschreider who saw major minutes starting last year as a freshman, ending the season third on the team in total points with 34. With a conference that has plenty of teams vying for a postseason appearance, expect Huntington to once again be right in the thick of the playoff race in 2024.
Islip Buccaneers- Despite missing the playoffs in 2023 the Buccaneers of Islip come off a great season where they went 12-4 which included some signature wins against some of Suffolk’s top teams. Now with that year of experience playing together under head coach Taryn Ohlmiller, Islip comes back with a very good shot to be in the playoff picture come May. They have one of the island’s elite midfielders in sophomore Caitlin Barnes who enters her third season on varsity. Along side Barnes in the sophomore class that will be impact players for Islip include Taylor Reising (Attack), Teagan Rao (Attack), Reese Wallace (Defense), and Abigail Dieumgard (Goalie). Look out for their freshman attacker Mackenzie Stuck to potentially see an enhanced role this year. Two key returning upperclassmen to the Bucs defense are Carley Mullins (Mercer) and Sara Geldmacher (LIU) as Islip only allowed 92 totals goals last season through 16 games.
Jericho Jayhawks- Entering her fifth season is Head Coach Michelle Garguilo leading the Jayhawks after a 4-7 2023 season. This year the mantra is “Do not let what you can not do interfere with what you can do.” They will be led by returning players Ryan Fistel (Midfield), Ashlynn Thitibordin (Defense), and Shea Gang (Goalie) all of whom will be team captains this season. Jericho also has some younger players that they will be adding to the fold and will see more minutes in Avery Danzig and Marianna Charalambous. The Jayhawks will hope for an improved 2024 season.
Kellenberg Firebirds- This season Kellenberg is back after making the Catholic AA Playoffs in 2023 before falling in the semifinals to St. Anthony’s. They bring back key players including Brigid Brown (Catholic) Kelsey Nichols, Ava Puccio and Erin Occhino on attack, while the midfield consists of Isabella Blasi (Wofford) and Maggie McDermott as significant returners from last year. After a season in which she saved 142 shots, Delaney Clark (Holy Cross) is back in the net once again for the Firebirds in her junior season as Kellenberg looks to be back in the final four of the AA Catholic Conference.
Longwood Lions- Longwood has developed consistency the last few years with two straight seasons of making the playoffs. Head Coach Randall Grossman has been coaching the Lions for 12 years and looks for the program to turn those playoff appearances into potential playoff victories after last year’s defeat in the first round. Among their returning players hoping to take Longwood to that next level include attackers Ava Rivera (Mercer) and Ava Franco (Mercy), midfielders Olivia Hollingsworth (Campbell) and Olivia Kaelin (New Haven), defenders Grace Galvin (Southern Connecticut) and Brooke Morris, and goalie Abby Warner. This upperclassmen unit will be coupled with young guns that could see elevated roles on the team this year in Gabby Lagala, Emma Preston, and Olivia Morris.
Luhi Crusaders- The mission for the Crusaders in 2024 is three-peat. After winning back-to-back PSAA Championships, against the Stony Brook School they have an opportunity to go for the trifecta. Their top two scorers from last season are back in senior attacker Ella O’Hara and junior midfielder Kate Ross. Luhi went with a young gun in the net last year seventh grader Lorraine Willocks and she proved to be a difference maker, tallying 10 games of double digit saves and a total of 145 on the season. Now as an eighth grader Willocks comes into the 2024 season with already a full year of varsity experience under her belt. It will soon be seen if Luhi can capture their third straight title.
Lynbrook Owls- Looking at the Lynbrook Owls, they saw a number of their key players graduate last year which paves the way for those that are returning to step up and have an elevated role as they try to once again secure a berth in the playoffs. Leading them in points among their returning players is midfielder Brooke Mazzei (Temple) who found the back of the net 40 times along with 11 assists for 51 points in 2023. In the 2026 class Sophie Deifel could be in line for a big sophomore season from the midfield after seeing playing time last season as a freshman. Lynbrook’s attack will surely miss the dominance of graduate Sara Curley, but this provides the opportunity for Olivia Palleschi and and Penelope Yaker (Stonehill) to take the reins as the primary scoring options. Much of Lynbrook’s defense has also graduated last year, but they do return junior Gabriella Meszaros as part of their starting defensive unit.
Massapequa Chiefs- Massapequa has been the cream of the crop in Nassau Class A the past three seasons and last year was a historic run, winning their first ever Long Island Championship and making it all the way to the state championship game where they were on the cusp of winning their first state title. This season they will look much different with many of their players part of the 2023 graduating class. In the 2024 class, they will look to see big production from Allison Petrullo the Pace bound attacker who brought a steady dose of goals and assists last season with 15 each for 30 points. Also on the attack in the senior class are Addison and Cameron Labriola the UMass commits, and junior Micaela Gillis (Jacksonville) along with sophomore Savanna Appleton who are all in line for significant contributions. At the midfield Massapequa sees key returners in Paige Garguilo (Jacksonville), Megan Felker (Quinnipiac), Anna Cuccio (Pace), Reilly Cereghino (Sacred Heart) and Maddy Breves (George Washington). Defensively they welcome back Cassidy Morrow (Siena), Grace Vince (New Paltz), Holly Krieg (YCPW), and Neave Bowman (Stonehill). The Chiefs will look to once again prove that Nassau Class A runs through Massapequa.
Mattituck Tuckers- Mattituck coached by Logan McGinn proved to be the team to beat in Suffolk Class D in 2023, making it to the Long Island Championship. This year they have a chance to make it back-to-back county championships and will be led by senior attacker Sofia Knudsen (Mercy) and sophomore midfielders Page Kellershon and Gianna Calise. This trio at their respective positions will be the igniters of a Mattituck offense that did see some of their top offensive players graduate in 2023. A key piece to the Tuckers defense is junior Alessandra De La Noval (Catawba) who brings great stick skills and can push the pace in transition. In the net for Mattituck as the starting goalie is senior Aiko Fujita (Saint Anselm). Mattituck will once again be in contention with Babylon and Center Moriches for the Suffolk Class D title.
Miller Place Panthers- Another team that is part of the loaded conference of Suffolk Class C are the Miller Place Panthers. They finished 10-6 last season but it was not enough to qualify for the playoffs, meaning this year they will likely need a few more wins to make the postseason. Much of their roster remains in tact and they are fresh off of playing in the HSWL to gear up for the spring. Spearheading the attack is the uncommitted junior Mirabella Altebrando who was a feeding machine last year with 31 assists and a total of 39 points. The Panthers attack also includes Hayden Young (Quinnipiac) and Isabella Luisa (Sacred Heart). What also gives this team a chance to compete for a playoff spot is their midfield filled with upperclassmen in Olivia Coffey (Stony Brook), Angie Efstathiou (Siena) Casey Gilbert (Mercer), and Sophia Ingenitio (Merrimack). At the forefront of their defense is defender Abby LoNigro (Quinnipiac). The big absence this year is 2023 graduate Natalia Altebrando who had a stellar season in goal posting a 56% save percentage, opening the door for someone new to step into that vacated starting role, which was occupied by 2028 Lilyana Ambrosino during the winter league.
North Shore Vikings- 2023 was a great run for the North Shore Vikings who made a run to the county final as top overall seed in Nassau Class C, but were defeated by Manhasset by a single goal in overtime. They graduated a generational talent in midfielder Kylee Colbert, but bring back returning players including senior attacker Kaila Van Cott (UChicago), senior midfielder Elle Archer, and senior defenders Hannah Gilliam and Sofia Martini. Two young guns that are on this year’s team that could see meaningful minutes are freshman midfielder Lila Archer and eighth grade attacker Natalie Yoo. As Head Coach Jaclyn Stevens enters year two at the helm, she is excited to see which player step into leadership roles this year.
Oyster Bay Baymen- Now in her second season leading the team, coach Connor Bird says her team is ready to make a name for themselves and for the Oyster Bay program this season.
“We have a lot of individual talent but because our team focused on the little things last season; bondings/ learning/ getting confident in our play, our girls are ready to compete and make a name for our program in high school girls lacrosse this 2024 season.”
The Baymen return a number of their midfielders from last year’s team that went to the county semis, including Marlo Knox with 80 points last year, Chiara Rutigliano (New Paltz), Gabriela Torres, and Lily Woodstock. On defense Amelia Scamell returns as one of their starting defenders, and they will be anchored by sophomore Avery McCusker protecting the pipes who stopped 165 shots in 2023.
Patchogue Medford Raiders- This year the Raiders have a new leader in charge as Patrick Cleary takes over as head coach. Last year they had a record of 5-10 and missed the playoffs, but return several key players looking to make this a successful spring season. Back for her junior season on the attack is Stony Brook commit Olivia Liddell who was last year’s leading scorer with 41 points. Surrounding Liddell on attack will be Gianna Bevacqua, Lilianna Durkin, and Alexa Schiller (LIU). Their top two returning midfielders are both entering their sophomore season in Madison Hofmann and Addison Ruland. As for the defensive side of the ball expect returning defenders Rylee Wassmer and Maddison Eddington to play a pivotal role in the Raiders defense, as they will be playing in front of Hailey Stratton who saved shots at a 53% clip last year. The Raiders also saw significant contributions from now eighth grader Isabella Petersen who is looking to continue being a dynamic player that will become a household name in the program in the years to come. Coach Cleary expressed the growth of his team as they head into the new season.
“This upcoming season we are returning a lot of talent on the offensive and defensive side of the ball. We have grown as a team and have worked extremely hard in the off season to ensure our success in the spring.”
Port Washington Vikings- In 2023 Port Washington found themselves one win away from a spot in the Class A Nassau County Finals, and this season the door is open for the Vikings to get there. They return their top two scorers in senior attacker Sienna Fox (Binghamton) and junior midfielder Catherine Karman (Virginia Tech) who will definitely be difficult for opposing defenses to contain. Adding to this Vikings offense is sophomore attacker Maggie Cassidy and junior midfielder Lily Capobianco who each saw major minutes in 2023. Defensively they are likely to expect big play from junior defender Bridget LaRosa (Youngstown), and sophomore defender Kaci Wood. Overall this team is filled plenty of experience with some young guns mixed in with Amber Fox and Caitlin Ahmuty under now third year head coach Pam Giordano.
Sachem East Arrows- Sachem East secured one of the final playoff spots last spring but were defeated in the opening round against Middle Country. Playing in Suffolk Class A they’ll be fighting with a number of teams trying to make the playoffs, and will look to lean on returning players including Sara O’Sullivan (Queens), and Kayla Richter (Campbell). Look for Sachem East to be playing in some meaningful games down the stretch of the regular season to try and secure a playoff spot.
Sachem North Flaming Arrows- In 2023 Sachem North finished an even .500 with an 8-8 record and just barley missing the playoffs. They do see an abundance of returning players giving them a chance to fight for the playoffs once again in Suffolk Class A. As an offense, they averaged just under nine goals per game last season, and they welcome back key attackers Olannah Fikes (Stony Brook) who’s fresh off of repping team Excelsior in the HSWL, Lisa Heffernan (Pace), and Riley Hetman, each in the senior class. Their top scorers from the midfield is senior Sofia Zumbrunn (Southern Connecticut), and sophomore Mattea Vino who burst onto the scene freshman year recording 21 points. Be on the lookout for freshman Addison Pittman to potentially be in the rotation this season after seeing time as just an eighth grader last year. On the other end of the field, defenders Lea Rowett (UMass Lowell) and Sarah Magliaro (Oneonta) headline the defensive side which allowed just under eight goals per game last year.
Seaford Vikings- On the south shore of Nassau County we have the Seaford Vikings who saw their 2023 season end in the quarterfinals by one goal against South Side. This year they bring back their entire starting defense outside of their goalie which will now be freshman Sarah Ulzheimer. Their starting defenders include Daniella Stek (Drexel), Ashley Tuhoy, Shannon Boll, and Madison Agostino (Molloy). Offensively they also welcome back many of their key attackers and midfielders from last year. On the attack for the Vikings will be Amanda Beadle (Molloy), Jessica Gryzelaczyk (Mercy), and Sophia Santella (Saint Leo). Leading the Vikings midfield is senior Amanda Williamson (Queens) and freshman Maddie O’Hagan, one of the island’s top players in the 2027 class. Head Coach Krista Ancona expressed her excitement for the upcoming season.
“We’re excited to get back out there with a year under our belts in conference one and capitalize on some unfinished business with some close games from last year.”
St. Dominic Bayhawks- The Bayhawks are back in 2024 after a narrow defeat in the AA semifinals against Sacred Heart which was their first season playing in the top catholic school conference led by head coach Jerry Caramelli. This season they bring back key returning offensive players including McKenna Jacobs (George Washington), Adriana Mavlios (FDW), and Eva Trimble (Campbell). Without current Princeton freshman Meg Morrisroe, St. Dominic will hope that those returning players can collectively fill that void. The defense will be anchored by junior defender Keira Laibach (Mercy) and senior goalie Mary Ford (LIU). In 2023 Ford was vital in their success, tallying 128 saves.
Syosset Braves- Syosset is aiming for a bounce back season after a disappointing end to last year with a defeat in the county semis to the Dalers. The attack for Syosset is filtered with youth in sophomore Julie Shaugnessy who exploded for 38 goals as a freshman, along with current freshman Jayden Stadler. The lefty Stadler didn’t shy away from the big stage as an eighth grader and poured in 11 goals and 11 assists for 22 points. Their midfield consists of upperclassmen in seniors Katelyn Lee (Columbia), Leah Kaufer (Binghamton), and Carley Greenbaum. On the defensive side of the ball, one of their top returning defenders is the junior Alexa Baek, and the goaltending will likely be split once again this season between senior Ava Ceglia (Lynn) and junior Lily Brill. Among their young guns who saw minutes last season that could be in line for a larger role this season are freshmen midfielders Lily Silveriera and Charli Kaplan.
Walt Whitman Wildcats- This year Whitman hopes to find themselves in the playoff picture after coming up short by just one game last year. They bring back the majority of their team which includes attackers Kathleen O’Mara (Captain), Isabella Fiorelli, and Kate Macaluso. At the midfield they will be leaning on returning players in Castleton commit Courtney Magee (Captain), and Marisa Castillo, while their key defensive returns are Kallie Eichner and goalie Meckenzie Caldwell. The Wildcats aim to build on the momentum from 2023 and this year extend their run into the playoffs.
