Cold Spring Harbor has dominated Nassau County Class C in recent years. That dominance did not extend to the New York State Tournament, as they watched their nemesis from Suffolk County, Mount Sinai, reel off three consecutive New York State Class C Championships in 2015, 2016, and 2017. All of that changed in 2018.
The Lady Seahawks once again won the Nassau County Championship and once again the Mustangs of Mount Sinai were waiting for them in the Long Island Championship Game. But this time Cold Spring Harbor came out on top, in an epic showdown, which saw the Seahawks soar to a big lead at halftime, only to have the Mustangs come all the way back to force Overtime. But in OT, it was Grace Tauckus who notched the goal that gave Cold Spring Harbor the Long Island Class C Title, and sent them on their way to Cortland, where they would go on to win the NYS Class C Championship.
After finally breaking through and claiming the ultimate prize in such dramatic fashion, last year, some might expect the Seahawks to be satisfied or not as motivated in 2019. But opponents, should be wary of this season’s edition. Yes, Sophia DeRosa (Brown), Katherine Faria (George Washington), Caroline Atkinson (Richmond) and Emily Weld (Davidson) have all graduated and moved into the college ranks. But Head Coach Danielle Castellane brings back the largest Senior Class that she has ever had (twelve Seniors). She said that this year’s team is “one of the best groups our program has ever had, and the community knows that.”
Among those who return is last year’s heroine, Grace Tauckus. The Princeton commit, is an all around midfielder who stepped up and played her best in the most crucial moments in the biggest games. She has size, speed and athleticism along with the ability to lead her team in high pressure situations. Caroline DeBellis, who will follow her older sister Samantha to Duke next fall, is also back. DeBellis has been playing on the Varsity since 8th grade. The Attacker can do anything the team needs from her. She can distribute the ball, or put it in the back of the net. Castellane thinks of her as “another coach” out on the field. DeBellis has been face guarded in the past and should expect more of that in 2019. Another Senior, is Defender, Sophia Taglich. She is “the quarterback on defense”, who relishes that role. A force inside the Draw Circle, as well as the team leader in Ground Balls and Caused Turnovers, she is also very effective in CSH’s transition game. Taglich, will take her considerable skills to Boston College next year. Defender turned Midfielder, Nicole Mormile is another of the Seahawks Super Seniors. A scrappy and unselfish player, Mormile will need to dodge more this season. Mormile “leads by example”, and her toughness allows her to excel at 50/50 ground balls. She is committed to Middlebury. Defender, Paige Venga, started last year as a Sophomore and may be moved to Midfield if needed this year. Hannah Terry, returns to action this year, after missing last season with an injury. Junior, Maria Hudson is the fastest player on the team. Isabelle Vitale was a “fearless” contributor down the stretch last year and should be an even bigger factor this spring.
Castellane’s crew is loaded with multi-sport athletes which should serve them well during lacrosse season. Additionally, the players do morning stickwork and participate in a winter training program. This will be the fourth year that the Lady Seahawks will host the Gains For Brains Showcase, an early season fundraiser for Brain and Spinal Cord Cancer. This year, CSH will take on New Canaan, who won the Connecticut State Championship last year. Along with this game, contests with Garden City, Wantagh, Manhasset, North Shore, and Syosset should give everyone an indication, just how good Cold Spring Harbor will be in 2019. Follow CSH Girls Lacrosse all season long @cshathletics on instagram and twitter.
Key Losses
Sophia DeRosa (2018, Brown)
Katherine Faria (2018, George Washington)
Caroline Atkinson (2018, Richmond)
Emily Weld (2018, Davidson)
Key Returners
Caroline DeBellis (2019 A, Duke)
Grace Tauckus (2019 M, Princeton)
Sophia Taglich (2020 D, Boston College)
Nicole Mormile (2019 M, Middlebury)
Key Games
Vs. New Canaan (CT)
Vs. Garden City
Vs. Wantagh
Vs. Manhasset
Vs. North Shore
Returning STAT Leaders
Caroline DeBellis
Grace Tauckus
Nicole Mormile
Sophia Taglich
2018 Honors
Sophia DeRosa (2018, All-County, Scholar Athlete)
Caroline DeBellis (2019, All-County)
Grace Tauckus (2019, All-County)
Sophia Taglich (2019, All-County)
Katherine Faria (2018, All-County)
Emily Weld (2018, Honorable Mention All-County)
Paige Vegna (2020, Honorable Mention All-County)
Caroline Atkinson (2018, Honorable Mention All-County)
Nicole Mormile (2019, Honorable Mention All-County, Unsung Hero)
Playoff History
2018- New York State Class C Champions
Notable Alumni
Haley Crosson
Brooke Jensen
Ashley Lynch
Sophia DeRosa
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