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NASSAU CONFERENCE I

MANHASSET INDIANS
Coach: Danielle Gallagher
Key players
Julia Glynn, M, Sr.
Natalie Stefan, M, Sr.
Lindsey Ronbeck, A, Jr.
Emily Koufakis, M/D, Sr.
Jackie D'Alleva, M/D, Sr.
Kathryn Hallet, M, Jr.
Outlook: Defending L.I. Class B champ returns eight starters, including three All-Americans, and is ranked No. 2 in nation.

FARMINGDALE DALERS
Coaches: Shari Campbell,Tracy Wiener
Key players
Olivia Kirk, G, Sr.
Samantha Brescia, D, Sr.
Emily Marlow, M, Sr.
Laura Fullam, M/D, Sr.
Chrissy Kelly, M/A, Sr.
Outlook: Defending state Class A champ returns seven Division-I commits, including attacks Tara Wahl and Bridget Weill.

GARDEN CITY TROJANS
Coach: Diane Chapman
Key players
Haley O'Hanlon, A, Sr.
Tara DeAngelo, M, Sr.
Taylor Carpentier, G, Sr.
Kerry Defliese, M, So.
Kristen Adams, D, Jr.
Outlook: Had its run of seven consecutive state Class B championships ended last year in the county final, but remains elite.

WANTAGH WARRIORS
Coach: Jaclyn Coyne
Key players
Brenna Connolly, A, Sr.
Paige Craig, M, Sr.
Nikki Sliwak, M, So.
Stefanie Wenz, M, Sr.
Caitlyn Cerasi, M, So.
Outlook: Nassau Class B semifinalist is led by Florida-bound Connelly and Craig, who is headed to Cornell. Midfielder Hannah Cohen is poised for a breakout season.

NORTH SHORE VIKINGS
Coaches: Jeff Butt, Megan McCormack
Key players
Carly Comitino, A, Sr.
Meaghan Brennan, M, Sr.
Alexandra Cantwell, M, Jr.
Lauren Cristodero, M, Jr.
Carlee Janelli, M, Jr.
Outlook: Tara Kilderry and goalie Samantha Capobianco anchor solid defense.

COLD SPRING HARBOR SEAHAWKS
Coach: Danielle Skakandi
Holly Logan, M, Jr.
Haley Crosson, G, Jr.
Sam DeBelis, A, So.
Ashley Lynch, A, So.
Brooke Jensen, D/M, Jr.
Outlook: County "C" runner-up the last two seasons returns its key players and with a loaded roster, including freshman Kate Kotowski, they believe this is their year.

MASSAPEQUA CHIEFS
Coach: Megan Zimmer
Key players
Jamie Ahrens, D, Sr.
Charlotte Wright, G, Sr.
Colleen Bourgal, A, Sr.
Cassidy O'Brien, A, Sr.
Olivia Batista, M, Jr.
Outlook: Reached Nassau Class A final for an eighth straight year. Graduated offensive sparkplugs, but should remain a potent team.

LONG BEACH MARINES
Coach: Rachel Ray
Key players
Liz Rourke, M, Sr.
Melissa Rubin, M, Sr.
Catie Breglia, A, So.
Hope Henry, A, Sr.
Hannah Sofield, M, Jr.
Outlook: Nassau Class B semifinalist is led by the versatile Rourke, who is headed to San Diego State.

PLAINEDGE RED DEVILS
Coach: Anthony Giovanelli
Key players
Jacqueline Kennedy, M, Sr.
Danielle Harrington, G, Sr.
Jessica Fischetti, A, Sr.
Rebecca Luca, A, Sr.
Erica Carney, D, Sr.
Outlook: Roster returns intact, including attack Sara Stephens. new coach has installed uptempo style.

SOUTH SIDE CYCLONES
Coach: Meaghan Healey
Key players
Maggie Cifarelli, A, Sr.
Briar Rose Detomasso, A, Sr.
Allie Ford, D, Sr.
Katie Ford, M, Sr.
Tessa Considine, M, Jr.
Outlook: Returns nine starters, including goalie Alyssa Knab; moves up to "Power League" after dominating Conference II.

NASSAU CONFERENCE II
PORT WASHINGTON VIKINGS
Coach: Raquel Piraino
Key players
Natalie Ledwitz, M, Sr.
Mia Walker, M, Jr.
Diandre Burton, D, Jr.
Olivia Ressa, A, Jr.
Rachel Rosen, M, Fr.
Gabby Friedman, A, Jr.
Outlook: Led by Old Dominion-bound Ledwitz.

SYOSSET BRAVES
Coach: Lauren LoMonaco
Key players
Kim Presuto, G, Sr.
Emily Rosen, D, Sr.
Jacqueline Cuddy, M, Sr.
Morgan Lannig, A, Jr.
Kelly Siebert, D, So.
Outlook: Has most of its starters back, including the entire defense.

HICKSVILLE COMETS
Coach: Meri Schneider
Key players
Hunter Isnardi, A, Jr.
Keley Abbriano, M, Sr.
Courtney Locurcio, M/A, Sr.
Noelle Batista, M/D, Jr.
Victoria Lomangino, G, Sr.
Outlook: Senior-laden group; offense led by Isnardi (58 points).

SEAFORD VIKINGS
Coach: Kurt Dankenbrink
Key players
Emma Schait, A, Sr.
Jen Molnar, M, Sr.
Victoria Prodan, A, Sr.
Michelle Savino, A, Sr.
Desire Fowlkes, G, Jr.
Outlook: Led by high-scoring, Albany-bound Schait (89 points)

HEWLETT BULLDOGS
Coach: Pat Gormley
Key players
Sam DiSalvo, M, Sr.
Emily Cohen, A, Sr.
Gabby Korin, A, Jr.
Allie May, D, Sr.
Elyssa Barroso, G, Sr.
Outlook: Defense will be improved with three senior defenders, as will the offense with Stony Brook commit Cohen.

BALDWIN BRUINS
Coach: Nicole Lein
Key players
Jessica Markowitz, M, Sr.
Kelsey Cohen, M, Jr.
Nicole Shieltal, G, So.
Bridget Jules, M, So.
Morgan Rachlin, A, Jr.
Outlook: Will have to rebuild its defense after reaching "A" quarterfinals, but Markowitz is a gifted offensive weapon.

OCEANSIDE SAILORS
Coach: Ken Dwyer
Key players
Sydney Oshinsky, M, Sr.
Kelly Hannon, M, Sr.
Cassie Cesario, M, So.
Jenna Doherty, A, So.
Outlook: Young but with designs on making the playoffs for eighth time in nine years.

CALHOUN COLTS
Coach: James Raucci
Key players
Nora Charidah, M, Sr.
Jessica Foley, M, Sr.
Natasha Treuman, A, Jr.
Emily Dolan, M, Sr.
Alexandra Marcello, D, Sr.
Outlook: Balanced group led by Charidah, who could improve on her 65 points.

FRIENDS ACADEMY QUAKERS
Coach: Kelley Moritz
Key players
Alexa Landow, A, Sr.
Rose Mangiarotti, M, Sr.
Emily Mara, A, Sr.
Caroline Sgaglione, M, Jr.
Charlotte Gelfand, D, Sr.
Outlook: Return nine starters from last year's team and explosive offense includes Brown-bound Mangiarotti (43 goals).

OYSTER BAY BAYMEN
Coach: Charlie Rizzutto
Key players
Hannah Kaiser, A, Sr.
Nicole Hauser, A, Jr.
Rebecca Layne, M, Sr.
Vanessa Yu, M, So.
Danielle Maggi, D, Sr.
Outlook: Led by Cornell-bound Kaiser (70 points), Went 12-2 in Conference IV in program's inaugural season, returns its core and has jumped to Conference II.

NASSAU CONFERENCE III

HERRICKS HIGHLANDERS
Coach: Lauren Marra
Key players
Barbara Nictas, A, Sr.
Kristina Stacom, G, Sr.
Bridgit Stacom, M, Jr.
Stephanie Jozkowski, A, sr.
Kaley Nictas, D, Jr.
Madison Marciano, M, So.
Outlook: Set a program record with 14 wins in a breakthrough season last year, and Katie Carmody adds to a potent offense that averaged 15.4 goals.

DIVISION BLUE DRAGONS
Coach: Sean Donnellan
Key players
Ariana Weingrad, M, Sr.
Jessica Minuto, A/M, Sr.
Brianna DeMilia, G, Sr.
Alex Sparrow, M, Jr.
Jamie Alvino, A, Fr.
Outlook: Reached the Nassau "B" quarterfinals and returns its top scorers; will contend for conference title.

ISLAND TREES BULLDOGS
Coach: Jamie Laudage
Key players
Natalie Sulmonte, M, Jr.
Brianna Wilson, M, Jr.
Michaela Siegler, A, Jr.
Bridget Lively, D, Jr.
Grace Kutzma, M, So.
Maggie Hastings, M, So.
Outlook: Only three seniors, but Towson-bound Sulmonte is a potential star (80 points) and addition of Siegler provides a boost.

EAST MEADOW JETS
Coach: Jamie Lago
Key players
Nicole Moniello, A, Sr.
Lindsey Hoffman, G, Sr.
Jenna Borresen, M, Sr.
Kelly Clarke, D, So.
Jaida Zabala, D, Sr.
Erin Fowler, M, So.
Outlook: Looks to build off 8-6 season and does so with a solid defense and Hoffman, an athletic goalie who made 159 saves last season.

LOCUST VALLEY FALCONS
Coach: Carolyn Sumcizk
Key players
Emily Schlicht, D, Sr.
Julia Vezza, D, Sr.
Lindsay Bleistein, M, Jr.
Kameron Palagonia, A, So.
Cassandra Vnook, G, Jr.
Outlook: Graduated its top scorers after reaching Nassau "C" semifinals, but returns most of its defense and has potential on offense.

LYNBROOK OWLS
Coach: Vincent Tetro
Key players
Chandley Borges, A, Sr.
Sarah Chyriwski, G, Sr.
Casey Strauss, D, Sr.
Ciara Gordon, M, Jr.
Gabrielle Patick, M, Jr.
Outlook: Made the Class B playoffs and returns a strong core, led by the Adelphi-bound Borges. Strauss and Gabrielle LoCicero fortify the defense.

MacARTHUR GENERALS
Coach: Janine Bridgewood
Key players
Sam Santeramo, G, Sr.
Kelly McQuail, M, Sr.
Alex Goodelman, A, Sr.
Kristen Politi, M, Sr.
Caitlyn Buckley, M, So.
Outlook: Bryant-bound Santeramo stared last season as Generals went 12-4 in Conference IV. MacArthur now moves up to Conference III.

CLARKE RAMS
Coach: Rick Aragona
Key players
Caileigh Berry, D, Sr.
Natalie Morano, M/D, Sr.
Karen Downes, G, Sr.
Maddie Anderson, M, Jr.
Diana Schmidt, M, Jr.
Outlook: Will look to capitalize on team speed with its roster full of athletic, multi-sport girls. Jen Wahlig's quickness in the crease adds offensive punch.

FLORAL PARK KNIGHTS
Coach: Kristen Freiermuth
Key players
Mary Beth Clancy, D, Sr.
Kiera Klaum, D, Sr.
Breanna McAllister, M, So.
Hannah Schmidd, D, So.
Nicole Choisez, D, So.
Katie O'Donnell, A, So.
Outlook: Competitive group with good speed.

CARLE PLACE FROGS
Coach: Harvey Allen
Key players
Jessica Vella, A, Sr.
Abby Pine, A, Sr.
Maria Hyland, M, Sr.
Elissa Frein, M, So.
Outlook: Led by an experienced attack line.

NASSAU CONFERENCE IV

BETHPAGE GOLDEN EAGLES
Coach: Kate Danowski-Wright
Key players
Luanna Barbuzano, M, Jr.
Isabella Bradley, M, Jr.
Alexa Ritchie, A, Fr.
Alyssa Gennaro, D, Jr.
Jessica Romano, D, Jr.
Outlook: Only one senior (goalie Alexa Giuliano) but seven juniors provide leadership; Ritchie is poised for breakout season.

ROSLYN BULLDOGS
Coach: Michelle Crennan
Key players
Allison Schneider, M, Sr.
Katy Ansel, D, Sr.
Arielle Mayourian, D, Sr.
Chloe Cecchini, D, Sr.
Nicole Korn, A, Sr.
Outlook: Return leading scorer Schneider; Lexi Singer and Lindsey Wolfe add firepower.

JERICHO JAYHAWKS
Coach: Jacqueline Marcel and Roxie Raab
Key players
Taylor Murphy, M, Sr.
Emily Mueller, M, Sr.
Sydney Adler, M, Jr.
Danielle Pestyner, D, Sr.
Brianna Sa, M, So.
Outlook: Murphy and Adler lead the charge.

NEW HYDE PARK GLADIATORS
Coach: Dominic Gagnon
Key players
Ariana Bruschi, M, Sr.
Celeste Lyons, A, Sr.
Regina Siciliano, D, Sr.
Keeley McGrath, M, Jr.
Kirsten Rivers, M, Jr.
Chiara Bushati, G, So.
Outlook: Led by Bruschi on offense.

MEPHAM PIRATES
Coach: Jim Mulvey
Key players
Emily Schmitt, M, Sr.
Erin Gilroy, M, So.
Taylor Black, A/M, Jr.
Kellie Gilroy, D, Sr.
Brianna Caponi, A, Jr.
Outlook: Led by Rider-bound Schmitt, an athletic group with improving skills.

CAREY SEAHAWKS
Coach: Colleen Killoran
Key players
Christina Ryan, A, Sr.
Shannon Giddens, M, So.
Cheyenne Samson, D, Jr.
Dana Susse, D, Jr.
Brett Robison, M, So.
Outlook: Ryan leads a young team.

BELLMORE JFK COUGARS
Coach: Jayna Kyriacou
Key players
Lauren Kranis, M, Jr.
Sydney Wolke, D, Jr.
Jeeyoon Kang, D, Sr.
Ariel LoFaro, A/M, Jr.
Taylor Haiduk, G, Jr.
Outlook: Team's focus is developing chemistry and improving skills.

MINEOLA MUSTANGS
Coach: Frank Massaro
Key players
Courtney Capobiano, A, Sr.
Emily Carboine, G, Sr.
Sabrino Fererri, M, Jr.
Sera Levy, A, Jr.
Emma Fader, M, So.
Alexandra Iannelli, M, So.
Outlook: Capobianco and Carboine are proven talents.

PLAINVIEW JFK HAWKS
Coach: Jeff Salzman
Key players
Angela Bolletieri, M, Sr.
Katie Woodburn, A, Jr.
Taylor Vaca, M, Jr.
Jessica Steinhilber, M, Jr.
Lauren Healy, M, Fr.
Bailey Bravin, G, So.
Outlook: Bolletieri is a solid, defensive-minded midfielder who leads a program that is rebuilding from the PAL level on up.

SEWANHAKA INDIANS
Coach: Erica Brennan
Key players
Skylar Shimanski, A/M, Sr.
Cynthia Devendra, M, Sr.
Daniella Ford, D, Jr.
Michelle Niles, D, Jr.
Bianca Santana, M, Jr.
Outlook: Shimanski, with her quality stick skills, is a capable scorer and distributor.

NASSAU CONFERENCE V

GREAT NECK NORTH BLAZERS
Coach: Kristen Cornicello
Key players
Emily Nitzberg, M, Sr.
Taylor Nelson, M, Sr.
Gabrielle Berger, M, So.
Sabrina Damaghi, A, Sr.
Haley Nelson, D, Sr.
Outlook: Return most of their starters and have promising additions in sophomore goalie Kyra Charton and eighth-grade attack Ariella Lerner.

FREEPORT RED DEVILS
Coach: Danielle Torre
Key players
LaChaye Allen, M, Sr.
Jazmin Blackman, D, Sr.
Ngozi Douglas, M, Jr.
Melinda Malave, M, So.
Katherine Sanchez, M, So.
Outlook: Young team enters rebuilding phase with first-year coach:, but athleticism is a strength as Torre implements new scheme.

GREAT NECK SOUTH REBELS
Coach: Christine Eisenhauer
Key players
Jessica Kwong, M, Sr.
Sandy Lopez, M, Jr.
Sherry Yang, M, Jr.
Casey Li, M, Jr.
Mia Oginsky, M, So.
Outlook: The Rebels return six starters and expect to make strides with a more experienced and cohesive group.

VALLEY STREAM EAGLES
Coach: Jessie Zwicker
Key players
Kallie Demas, M, Sr,
Jessica D'Elia, D, Sr.
Brianna Ricotta, D, Sr.
Tanisha Verneus, M, Sr.
Nicole Cutrone, M, So.
Outlook: Demas and Verneus are proven skill players and will provide leadership for their talented underclassmen.

MALVERNE/E. ROCK ROCKIN' MULES
Coach: Christine Connell
Key players
Melissa Barto, M, Sr.
Halle Johnson, A, Sr.
Emma Nicoletti, A, So.
Erin Foley, D, Sr.
Katherine Umana, M, Jr.
Outlook: Return most of last year's team, so familiarity and on-field rapport should be to their advantage.

WEST HEMPSTEAD RAMS
Coach: Tracy Hutt
Key players
Taylor Freiermuth, A, Sr.
Kara Lynch, A, Sr.
Angelique Jabouin, D, Sr.
Kayla Cleare, D, Sr.
Alicia Carelus, D, Sr.
Outlook: Its depth and quality will have to offset the inexperience at goalie.

GLEN COVE BIG RED
Coach: Justine Golloub
Key players
Samantha DiPaola, M, Sr.
Christina DelGrosso, M, Sr.
Natalie Tenke, A, Sr.
Gillian Farnan, G, Sr.
Selena Guastella, A, Jr.
Cat Hatala, M, So.
Outlook: Led by DiPaola, a skilled D-wing, and DelGrosso, who can score.

HEMPSTEAD TIGERS
Coach: Patti Ortmann
Key players
Erika Rivera, M/D, Sr.
Kayla Green, M, Jr.
Britney Underwood, D, Jr.
Ashley Sinclair, G, Jr.
Outlook: Graduated eight starters and will now rely on Green to control the midfield and Underwood to anchor its defense.

WHEATLEY WILDCATS
Coach: Terry Grace
Key players
Julia Balboni, M, Sr.
Dani Loel, D, Sr.
Brooke Goldfarb, D, Sr.
Morgan Hanel, M, Jr.
Gabby Leccese, M, Jr.
Outlook: Returns leading scorer in center-midfielder Balboni (56 goals) and should be competitive.

ELMONT SPARTANS
Coach: Anna Limitone
Key players
Courtnay Ihaza
Monique Joseph
Christelle Semed
Outlook: Returns Ihaza, a solid threat and Spartans hope to improve on three-win season.

ROOSEVELT ROUGH RIDERS
Coach: Joanie Buczkowski
Key players
Tatyanah Wright, M, Sr.
Sabrina Hall, M, Sr.
Corrine Felix, D, Sr.
Precious Hall, M, So.
Wura Ayo, M, So.
Outlook: Begins its inaugural season.

Congratulations to this eighth grader - tremendous achievement. My question is - How are some schools allowed to make a policy that 8th graders can not play varsity while other schools allow it - like this school? If the state allows it, shouldn't the school be required to comply? Our school does not allow it to happen.

Some schools have rejects as the AD.

Long beach is one of them. Kids and parents running both boys and girls lax teams. So many underclassmen who don't belong and discipline on boys side that they pretend doesn't exist .AD is a joke

I would think there are other things you must consider. This is conference V NOOT conference I or II. I am sure the demand and supply in this town is drastically lower than towns that are breeding skilled lacrosse players. That said, there is probably more of a need to move a girl like this up. In addition, in conference V I am sure she is playing with a bunch of 11th and 12th graders that can not pass, catch or shoot with their opposite hand and arent exactly sure where to be on the field. You should think about this before thinking all schools should move 8th graders up to Varsity.

It should be left up to each school to decide the policy, based on their lax history, and circumstances. In most cases, there's no need to bring an 8th grader to varsity. There are situations, like the districts with really low numbers, or MAYBE the extreme case where the player is just way over the top. I don't see anything wrong with 7th and 8th graders playing JV, or even middle school lacrosse, before making the jump to varsity. Everyone's in such a huge rush to get to varsity, when most of the time, it's probably unnecessary, and possibly even detrimental to the team, and individual players.

If she is playing competitive travel lax at a high level (which I assume she is) then she can certainly fit in with the high school kids in conference V and probably excel at a high level. I am always concerned about the "social issues" that can arise in having a kid this age spending time with kids 4 to 5 years older in age. This is something the school and parents need to monitor and hopefully are.

Good point. Has anyone ever heard of a varsity position being turned down, by a middle school player/parent, due to the social aspect? I think parents say they're concerned, but if asked, I don't know if any would actually say "No thanks, my daugther would be better off on JV or Middle School.", due to social concerns...most won't even turn it down, for more playing time at a lower level. The offer is probably too enticing, and the kid would incredibly disappointed, especially in some districts, where there's so much pressure to PLAY UP! One benefit of the districts that don't allow it, is the removal of that peer pressure, and stress, to play up...

Yes this has happened where girls decided to stay on JV or the middle school team.

That's good to hear, and surprising, because I've heard parents talk about it being an issue, but never heard of anyone turning down the offer, for social reasons. I've heard a rare few turn it down, for playing time.