No. 10 Ranked Northport Tigers Team Preview

Now down to the top 10 in the LILJ preseason rankings, it’s one the island’s storied programs the Northport Tigers coming in at number 10. They head into the 2026 season with a strong sense of identity, leadership, and continuity under longtime head coach Carol Rainson-Rose who is one of the all-time winningest coaches, now in her 37th year guiding the program. With a veteran core returning and team chemistry identified as a major strength, Northport looks primed to build on last spring after being defeated in the county semifinals.

Offensively, the attack is anchored by one of the most productive returners on Long Island in Kate Atkinson (Vanderbilt), who led the team with 82 points, finding the back of the net 56 times with 26 assists in 2025. Atkinson’s ability to finish and facilitate makes her the focal point of the offense, and she’ll be complemented by players included Riley Cash (Ohio State), a dynamic playmaker coming off a 58-point season, Megan Florio (Marist) with 41 points, Kaleigh Howard (Old Dominion), who added 37 points, and Julianna Tietjen who also returns after contributing 30 points, giving Northport multiple scoring options that allow the offense to stay balanced and unselfish.

Defensively, the Tigers bring back a strong spine led by captains Emma Greenberg (Florida) and Sophia Mele (Elon), both of whom provide experience, toughness, and versatility on the back end. That group will be supported by a midfield rotation and a reliable presence in goal with Charlotte Cuneo returning after making 97 saves in 2025. Her leadership and consistency will be key as Northport looks to set the tone defensively and control tempo.

One of the most intriguing storylines heading into 2026 is the return of Caroline Hoschel (LIU), transferring back to Northport after time at Long Island Lutheran, which adds another layer of depth and experience to an already competitive roster. Additionally, Ava DeMarco is a player to watch in an expanded role after recording 16 points last season and showing flashes of playmaking ability.

With five captains—Atkinson, Greenberg, Mele, Howard, and Cuneo—this Northport group is defined by leadership, accountability, and a team-first mindset. If the Tigers continue to play unselfish lacrosse, stay motivated, and lean into their chemistry, they have all the pieces in place to make a strong push during the 2026 season and set the standard for the program’s next generation. The first regular season matchup for the Tigers is a playoff rematch against Connetquot on 3/27.