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PREVIEW: Smithtown West v. Smithtown East

Posted on April 10, 2017 by Derek Taylor

When people think about Long Island lacrosse the first thing that should come to their mind is the rivalry between Smithtown East and West. Both these programs have produced some of the best lacrosse players the world has ever seen, including Rob Pannell who is the all-time points leader in college lacrosse.

East is packed with experience and talent as they have some of the biggest commits in the country. Connor Desimone (Hopkins Commit), Bobby Burns (Penn State Commit), and Luke Eschbach (Yale Commit) are the big three for Smithtown East. All three guys are studs and can score at will. Desimone is a threat from behind that can beat his man, feed the rock, and put the ball in the back of the net when he needs to. Bobby Burns is a slick lefty with great stick skills, that can shoot the ball from any angle and has a knack for putting up G-nodes. Lastly, Eschbach is a big strong righty that can shoot the lights out of the ball while also being very skilled at finding the open spaces on the field. Let’s not forget that East has 4 face-off guys all going D1, two of which are brothers going to Hofstra.

Connor DeSimone hoping to quarterback his team to a County Championship in his senior year. Connor is a key to the this rivalry game if Smithtown East wants to come out on top. 2016 Highlights from #22 above.

West, on the other hand, is also filled with studs and big time commits. Kyle Zawadzki, the younger brother of Christian who is currently playing at Maryland, has a great lacrosse IQ and nice stick skills. Jimmy Cattigan and Danny Riley both two-time all-county players are hoping to step up and have big years. Both Danny and Jimmy were awarded the honor of being captain this season, alongside goalie Ryan Erler, Cameron Brunsvold, and Hunter Greco.

Kyle Zawadzki (Yale Commit) will need to step-up if West has a shot at taking down East in this Rivalry Match-up! Kyle is a key to the game for the Bulls. Photo credit – Newsday.com

Both teams are off to a slower start than anticipated. Smithtown East has is coming off two tough losses to teams that on paper they probably should have beaten. West suffered a bad loss to Garden City where they were almost shut out as they lost 6-1. But throw all previous wins and losses out the window when these two teams come together. Looked at as one of the biggest rivalries on the island this matchup could be one of the best games of the year.

Prediction: East 15 West 13

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ANALYSIS: Northport vs. West Islip

Posted on April 7, 2017 by FLG Lacrosse Staff

Following a pretty dominant performance, it’s safe to say that the North Port Tigers just might be one of the best teams in Suffolk despite flying under the radar preseason. Olivia Carner and Danielle Pavinelli asserted themselves as stars with 8 points each. Not to mention Carner is a sophomore committed to Duke University and Pavinelli is a freshman committed to play at Florida University.

Danielle Pavinelli (#12 Left) & Olivia Carner (#10 Right) each have 8 points in a convincing victory over West Islip. Being Danielle is only a freshman & Olivia a sophomore, these two aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. Watch out for Northport in years to come!

The Tigers possessed the ball for a majority of the game showing great pace of play and superb defense. In transition, the Tigers were virtually impossible to stop and scored on almost all their free position shots. On top of that Claire Morris the Ohio State University commit was lights out in goal saving everything thrown her way. The Tigers looked like a well-oiled machine on Tuesday, every girl at every position did there job and that led to a pretty significant win to give the Tigers a 4-o start to the season

Despite the scoreboard being tilted towards the Tigers the Lions of West Islip are not to sleep on. Following a poor first half where nothing seemed to go their way, they picked it up in the second and showed that they can play against a powerhouse team. The uncommitted junior Samantha Blair definitely stood out as she put up 5 goals and asserted herself as a top player.

The Lions are a very young team and showed their inexperience on Tuesday with some bad mental mistakes and the inability to capitalize on chances. However, the young girls of West islip do show promise and in the coming year, the Lions just might be one of the top teams on the island.

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Speak For Yourself

Posted on April 5, 2017 by Michael Winkoff

This morning driving into the office, I heard a great interview on the radio.

Mike & Mike were interviewing Ernie Johnson the TNT Icon Sportscaster.

He spoke about a story that happened to him when he was 8 years old playing Little League.

In the story, a ball goes over the fence. All the sudden, 2 outfielders climb the fence in search of this lost ball.

After a couple minutes go by, the boys do not return. The coaches decide to go looking for the two boys searching for their missing ball. When the coaches got over the fence they saw the 8-Year-old boys sitting in the woods eating blackberries.

Ernie spoke about how throughout his whole life he reflects back to that day, to realize how important it is to sometimes just enjoy the taste of blackberries.

Youth sports is a great opportunity for all participants and their parents to enjoy the blackberries!

I like to reflect back on my experiences as a parent when helping other parents navigate the process of assisting their kids in life.

Similar to Ernie Johnson, I always go back to one story in particular.

I came home one day after work and noticed my 10th-grade son was not himself.

I asked him, “What’s bothering you son?” He replied, “I’m frustrated with how the coach is handling my playing time.”

My response, “Well, what are you going to do about it?”

He looked at me with a puzzled look on his face and said, “What do you mean, what am I going do about it?”

“Well, speaking to your coach about your feelings would certainly let your coach know where your head is at and even if he doesn’t agree with you, he would certainly respect you for sitting down with him and communicating your thoughts. These are your feelings, your thoughts, therefore, it is your job to communicate with your coach.”

The next night I came home and asked my son, “Did you speak with your Coach?”

“Yes”

“Do you feel better?”

His answer, “Yes. Thanks, Dad.”

I have told numerous parents over the years’ this story, some accept it with open arms and some ignore my words.

Allowing your children to be self-sufficient will empower them. Teach your children to develop their own voice, speak up for themselves, and communicate their feelings in a sincere way. Teach your children to stand up for their beliefs and have that awkward conversation even if it results in an unfavorable response. Your children will be stronger for it. If you ask my son, he’d say the same.

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PREVIEW: Northport v. West Islip

Posted on April 4, 2017 by FLG Lacrosse Staff

Northport vs West Islip just might be one of the best Section XI matchups of the season as two storied programs collide in a prime time game. The 2-0 Northport Tigers have set high goals for this year and hope to have a chance at playing for a County Championship. From a player standpoint, the Northport Tigers have a great mix of under and upperclassmen that can go head to head against anyone. The Tigers have an immense amount of D1 commits which just might cause a problem for West Islip. After two dominating performances against Hills East and Smithtown West where they won by at least 10 goals, the Tigers are hoping to continue their dominance.

However, West Islip is off to a hot start as they currently are holding a 3-1 record with a one-goal loss to Sachem North. With a respectable 16-5 record and Long Island Championship last year, the Lions are trying to make headlines again in the 2017 season. Although the Lions could easily be 0-4 this year, winning by one goal to Massapequa and West Babylon, and a two-goal win over Connetquot, the Lions now have three quality wins to start the season.

It’s going to be a great game between the Tigers and the Lions. Be sure to follow FLG Lacrosse on twitter to get updates on the game!

Northport Player’s to Watch:

Emerson Cabrera, Junior, Florida Commit, Midfield
Meghan Smith, Senior, Monmouth Commit, Defense
Natalie Langella, Senior, Bryant Commit, Attack
Olivia Carner, Sophomore, Duke Commit, Midfield
Claire Morris, Sophomore, Ohio State Commit, Goalie
Danielle Pavinelli, Freshman, Florida Commit, Attack
Nicole Orellana, Junior, Michigan Commit, Midfield

West Islip Player’s to Watch:

Emily Beier, Senior, Loyola Commit, Attack

Lauren DiStefano, Junior, Wagner Commit, Goalie
Sam Blair, Junior, Attack
Jordan Ilchert, Senior, Attack
Danielle Marino, Sophomore, Middie

Game Start: Tuesday, April 4th, 4:00pm

Home Team: Northport

Location: Veterans Park, Northport, NY

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Be Different.

Posted on April 3, 2017 by Corey Winkoff

Much unrest, disappointment, and angst comes when we constantly compare our own situation to others.

Mikey from my son’s chemistry class is now ranked 5th in his class.

I heard that Joey down the road just committed.

My daughter’s friends team practices 4 times a week.

Their household income is much higher then ours.

Constantly evaluating the similarities between your own situation and that of another can lead us down a shallow path. One that gets caught up in topics or ideas that don’t necessarily relate to the now, create unnecessary rivalries, amplify petiness, or lead us to worry about things out of our control.

Instead of always comparing and thinking we should be like someone or something else, stop for a second and evaluate if your situation may contrast with those around you. Maybe you are simply, different.

Contrasting with someone else’s actions, views, or position in life might just mean you are well on your way to creating a path of your own. Even if you’re in the minority. Just because most people are doing something, doesn’t make it right. Following your own path could very well spark individuality, enthusiasm, or success. Go for it. Contrast. Lead. Be different.

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Fight or Flight

Posted on March 30, 2017 by Corey Winkoff

The score is 14-2 during a early season High School Varsity girls lacrosse game. The winning team (let’s call them the Seagulls) gains possession of the ball and is approaching their offensive end. There is 15 minutes and 35 seconds left in the game. Out of respect for the opposing team (let’s call them the Dolphins), the Seagulls head coach instructs her team to pump the breaks by yelling, “Statue! Statue! Statue!” Statue is code for stall aka keep the ball away from the other team.

For the next 6 minutes, the Seagulls keep the ball away from their opponent. With less than 9 minutes on the clock, the Dolphins are still left without a possession. The Dolphins quickly transition from defending their goal to defending their pride. The clock continues to tick down: 8 minutes, 7 minutes, 6 minutes are now left in the game.

After the Seagulls flawlessly execute dozens of cuts and passes around the outside, the Dolphin’s best player (let’s call her Kelly) leaps in the air and picks off a pass. Kelly drives the length of the field, drawing a defender as she enters the 8-meter, and completes a pass to her wide open teammate. One on one with the goalie, her teammate puts the ball in the back of the net, making the game 14-3.

Now, put yourself in the cleats of the Dolphins. How would you react if you had to spend nearly 10 minutes defending a team in open space? Think about it. You’re down 10 goals to a team. They clearly have no intention of scoring any more. They just want the game to end. They want to exhaust time, shake hands, get on the bus, and go home.

Would you let that happen sooner by trying less, sulking more, and giving up.

or

Would you fight harder, talk more, and play faster?

Casual spectators of the Seagulls vs. the Dolphins see a great team, a blow-out, or an easy win. However, if you look carefully, this game can be an opportunity to see who refuses to quit, who can stay positive when their team is down, or who is playing the hardest with little to no time left on the clock.

When some of the best High School female lacrosse player’s go from playing club to playing for their schools, they soon experience very different teams, situations, and challenges. For Kelly, she is on a team that is still building a competitive and successful culture. She will be placed in situations that challenge her to fly away or fight back. In this situation, it’s obvious the choice she decided to make.

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Analysis: St. Anthony’s v. Manhasset

Posted on March 29, 2017 by FLG Lacrosse Staff

Yesterday’s prime time matchup between Manhasset and St. Anthony’s did not disappoint. Containing top Private and Public schools, this could easily be a game of the year candidate by the time the season ends in June. An unfamiliar scenery for the Friars as they relied on some key underclassman instead of all upperclassman as usual. Manhasset, on the other hand, put forth a roster with a talented array of both upper and underclassmen. In Manhasset’s extended history, this is typically how the Indian’s like to roll. Regardless of age, the best players play. During the 1st quarter, Aidan Mulholland, an eighth grader, entered the game. He quickly received a pass in his offensive end and initiated a dodge that resulted in a broken shaft of his arm and the ball finding the back of the net.

In the early part of yesterday’s game, neither team pulled out in front as both squads were in ‘feel it out’ mode. Not until the second quarter did we see the Friars start to “pull away.”

Kevin Mack scored 5 goals in the second half. His late game surge wasn’t quite enough as Manhasset fell to St. Anthony’s 14-12 in an early season thriller. #StringKingGameOfTheWeek

Led by Jonathan Huber, the soon to be St. John’s studlete this coming spring, as he netted four goals to allow the Friars to take a commanding lead. Huber’s incredible stick skills and intelligence around the crease caused a major problem for the Indians defense. Vito Musso, the Marist Commit, helped out Huber assisting on two of his four goals. On top of that, faceoff man Brandon Rizzuto dominated at the X. Winning 10 out of 12 faceoff attempts.

Not until the third quarter did we start to see a surge from the Indians offense as senior Kevin Mack led the charge with 3 goals. Mack is definitely a player to watch this year with his talented skills and elite change of direction. Michigan may have a big time player coming their way in the upcoming year. 10-9 was the final score at the end of the third quarter, and we were due for a thriller in the 4th.

Kevin Mack continued his stellar performance as the Indians took a 12-11 lead halfway thru the 4th. It wasn’t until Bo Waters, Army commit, knocked in the game-tying and go-ahead goal to put the Friars up 13-12 with a minute left in the game. With an empty net, Vito Musso scored the final goal to give the Friars a 14-12 victory.

Bo Waters of St. Anthony’s had 3 goals on the day, including the game-tying and winning goals. This earned himself String King Player of the Game. #TheBestTrustStringKing

Following the game, it was clear to see that both teams had playmakers. Kevin Mack from Manhasset played lights out even though it wasn’t enough to get the win. Maybe if the Indians had their other star attackman in Jack Keough, the Hopkins Commit, the outcome may have been different. The Friars goalie and faceoff man were huge to their key win. Thomas Linger, who is committed to UMBC, had 11 saves, and Brandon Rizzuto had 23 faceoff victories. On top of that, Brennan O’Neil, the freshman phenom who is already committed to Penn State, showed us all why he deserves to be starting on one of the top programs on Long Island. As an eighth grader at Bay Shore, he led all of Suffolk County in goals. An eighth grader! Now O’Neil is prized to have a great career as a Friar and hopefully a Nittany Lion.

Manhasset looks to bounce back with a victory over the Calhoun Colts on April 5th, and St. Anthony’s will travel to Kellenberg to host private school rival on March 30th.

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FLG Games of the Week Schedule – 2017 Season

Posted on March 27, 2017 by FLG Lacrosse Staff

This Spring, FLG Lacrosse will be all over the island covering games. Below is a list of games we will cover this Spring. Coverage may include video highlights, LIVE stat tracking, photos, analysis, interviews, and players of the game. Please note, FLG Lacrosse will be adding games to our of Games of the Week schedule. So, be sure to follow us on social media @FLGLAX and you won’t miss out!

FLG Games of the Week

Garden City @ Syosset :: Boys :: 3/21
St. Anthony’s @ Manhasset :: Boys :: 3/28
West Islip @ Northport :: Girls :: 4/4
Smithtown East @ Smithtown West :: Boys :: 4/10
Sachem East v. Northport :: Boys :: 4/19
Huntington @ Sachem North :: Boys :: 4/19
Sachem East v. Northport :: Girls :: 4/20
Ward Melville @ Sachem North :: Girls :: 4/20
Farmingdale @ Massapequa :: Boys :: 4/21
Comsewogue @ Harborfields :: Girls :: 4/25
Smithtown West @ Middle Country :: Girls :: 4/26
Mt. Sinai @ ESM :: Girls :: 5/1
Half Hollow Hills East @ Ward Melville :: Boys :: 5/3
Garden City @ Shoreham Wading River :: Boys :: 5/6

Follow FLG Lacrosse on social media by clicking the logos below!

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LI Lax Journal – Girls Fab 4 Suffolk Division II/III – Team Previews

Posted on March 24, 2017 by FLG Lacrosse Staff

The goal of FLG’s Long Island Lacrosse Journal is to promote the sport of the lacrosse on Long Island. The LI Lax Journal will include team previews, coach interviews, rankings, top players, and much more. Follow FLG Lacrosse this Spring to get inside access to what’s happening in the world of lacrosse on Long Island!

Mt Sinai Girls 2017 Season Preview

Mt Sinai

Mascot: Mustangs

Suffolk Division II/III

Long Island Ranking: 1st

Key Returners:

Hannah VanMiddelen, Senior, Syracuse Commit, US Lacrosse All-American and Under Armour All-American, been in the cage for two out of last 3 state championships, Most Valuable Player in the state tourney 2016, very good field leader.
Emily Vengilio, Senior, Penn State Commit, Under Armour All-American, lock-down defender, 4-year starter
Megan Tyrrell, Junior, Syracuse Commit, 80 points, 60 and 20
Megan Scutaro, Junior, Notre Dame Commit, started last two years, backer in the zone, very intelligent player
Haley Dillon, Junior, Stony Brook Commit, rangy defender, solid at low defense and can play attack, very versatile
Rayna Savella, Senior, Stony Brook Commit
Leah Nonnenmann, Senior, Furman Commit

Key Losses:

Erica Shea, Attacker, Draw-control at Stony Brook

“At Mt. Sinai, we really focus on the process. We try and win each day. Get better every day by playing hard, doing the little things really well, and enjoying the process.” -Al Bertelone, Head Coach, Mt. Sinai

Senior defender, Emily Vengilio, is a tenacious lock-down asset for the Mustangs. Her experience is one of the many reasons Mt. Sinai is the favorite to three-peat at NYS Champions in 2017. Photo Credit: USAtodayhss.com

Best Case Scenario

The Mustangs hope to capture their 3rd consecutive NYS Class C State Championship this year. The Mt. Sinai girls have been playing together all-year round and coach Al Bertelone says, “This is the deepest team I’ve ever had. These girls live, eat, and breathe lacrosse, they are the definition of lacrosse addicts.” This makes, even more sense when you look at the roster and see D1 commits literally all across the board. The best case scenario for the Mustangs is holding up a Class C NY State Championship for the third year in a row.

Worst Case Scenario

The worst case scenario for this year’s Mustangs would be not winning it all. With studs at every position, losing is not an option. This is arguably the most talented team on the island and losing at any stage in the playoffs would be considered a disappointment.

Key Games:

Home vs Shoreham- Wading River – 3/28/17

Home vs Bayport-Blue Point – 4/19/17

Away @ Eastport- South Manor – 5/01/17

BBP Girls 2017 Season Preview

Bayport-Blue Point

Mascot: Phantoms

Suffolk Division II/III

Ranking: 2nd

In a Twitter Poll on March 20th, the lacrosse community voted BBP as the favorite to bringing home a NYS Championship in 2017!

Key Returners:

Kyla Zapolski, Senior, Midfield, Albany Commit
Ally Alliegro, Senior, Wagner Commit, Defender, Sometimes Midfield
Cassidy Weeks, Senior, Midfield, Boston College Commit
Courtney Weeks, Junior, Boston College Commit, All-County, Tore ACL in October
Kelsi Lonigro, Senior, Monmouth Commit, All-County, Torn ACL in October Field Hockey
Madison Waters, Freshman, Midfield, USC Commit, returning starter,
Ailish Kelly, Freshman Midfield/Att, 15 goals as an eighth grader
Liz Engel, Senior Defender, Gardner-Webb Commit
Katlyn Eames, Junior, Defender, High Point Commit
Julia Imdo, Senior, All-division or All-county, Lefty Attacker

Key Losses:

Jill Rall, Goalie, High Point Commit
Kerrigan Miller, Midfield, USC Commit

“The development of this team has been exponential than in years past. These players have committed every day since last season ended. There is lots of motivation in what they are doing. If we can put it all together, we can do big things.” -Ryan Gick, Head Coach, BBP

Senior attacker, Kyla Zapolski, will be the go to weapon for BBP this season. Her team hopes to rise to the top and be holding up a County Championship trophy towards the end of the 2017 season. Photo Credit Newsday

Best Case Scenario

Best case scenario for the Phantoms is winning a County Championship in 2017. The Phantoms need to rely on their Seniors, like Kyla Zapolski and Cassidy Weeks, if they want to get past the top opponents in their Division and make it to a County Championship. Head Coach Ryan Gick said, “If Courtney Weeks isn’t ready to go towards the end of this season, then we won’t put her out there. The last thing I want to do is put a player onto the field if they aren’t fully recovered.” After tearing her knee in October, Courtney is projected to return towards the middle to the end of this season. This would be just the boost BBP needs to get past top Divisional match-ups and pursue a County Championship. Over that past few years, BBP has built an intense rivalry with Mt. Sinai. When addressing this new found rivalry with Coach Gick, he said, “There is a mutual respect for each other’s programs. When you see Black and Red, the competitive juices get going. We know each other and each other’s tendencies. Finding success in those types of games comes down to gameplan, who shows up that day, and who can rise above the intensities of the fans.”

Worst Case Scenario

Worst case scenario for the Phantoms would be not making it to a County Championship. The Phantoms have high goals and aspirations for the 2017 season, and if they can’t reach their primary goal of winning a County Championship, they will be disappointed.

Key Games:

Home vs Shoreham-Wading River – 4/05/17
Away @ Mt. Sinai – 4/19/17
Away @ Manhasset – 5/06/17

Eastport-South Manor 2017 Girls Team Preview

Eastport-South Manor

Mascot: Sharks

Suffolk Division II/III

Ranking: 3rd

Key Returners

Kelsey Huff, Midfield, Senior, USC Commit
Kaitlyn Dowsett, Attack, Senior, Siena Commit
Jocelyn Miller, Defense, Senior, Marquette Commit
Dayna Martinetto, Goalie, Junior, Jacksonville Commit
Hannah Kenneally, Attack, Junior, Boston University Commit
Hope Steuerwald, Attack, Junior, Monmouth Commit
Kasey Choma, Midfield, Sophmore, Notre Dame Commit
Jaime Biskup, Midfield, Sophomore, UVA Commit

Key Losses

Kaeli Huff, Midfield, USC
Kelly Gomez, Defense, Cortland student
Laura Kesnig, Attack, Siena

“They are extremely close, almost as if they are sisters. At practice, they push each other to their fullest and make each other better even if it’s in the weight room during workouts. Over the years our program has become stronger. This is the first year where I can comfortably say that even girls who do not start can become impact players any given day.” -Becky Thorne, Head Coach, ESM

Not many teams possess a player like Kelsey Huff. This USC Commit is a do it all midfielder who is a match-up nightmare. Photo Credit: Newsday

Best Case Scenario

ESM hopes to go far as possible. However, making it to that County final again would be ideal, giving the Sharks an opportunity to take it from there.

Worst Case Scenario

Not making it to a County Championship.

SWR Girls 2017 Season Preview

Shoreham-Wading River

Mascot: Wildcats

Suffolk Conference II/III

Ranking: 4th

Key Returners:

Sophia Triandafils, Midfield, Senior
Samantha Higgins, Yale Commit, Midfield, Senior, Might play some attack in 2017
Michaela Dwyer, Attacking role, Midfield
Isabella Miele, Midfield,
Jesse Arline, Stony Brook Commit, Senior, Low Attack
Campbell Brant, Low Attack
Madison Sharon, Low Attack
Hailey Rose, Senior, Defender
Grace Blomberg, Defender
Gabby Cacciola, Goalie

Key Losses:

Megan Daly
Isabella Cortez

“Last year, we didn’t approach the season with enough confidence. Half-way through the year, we only had lost to BBP by one goal. The girls began to realize their worth and how good they actually were. This year, confidence is up and they feel they are ready for anything. Building on old skills and expanding into new ones, we plan to push further, add more tricks to the bag, and work towards making it to a Championship game.” -Brittany Davis, Head Coach, SWR

Senior midfielder, Sophia Triandafils has one more chance to bring the Wildcats to a County Championship. Will this be the year Shoreham wins it all? Photo Credit: Riverhead News Review

Best Case Scenario

The Wildcats lost on a sour note last year, but are ready to get started with the 2017 season. At the end of the 2016 season, the Shoreham varsity girls team lost two games in a row to Mt. Sinai, the last game of the regular season and again in the first round of the playoffs. Shoreham will play Mt. Sinai for the third time in a row, being that they open up the 2017 season against the reigning State Champs. The main goal for the girls this year is to make a run at a County Championship. With a number of college commits and growing confidence, the Wildcats could be in contention to win Counties.

Worst Case Scenario

The girls are hungry for something they missed out on last year after a quick exit from the playoffs. This year’s goal is to have more of a team mindset and focus less on individual stats. Last year, the girls did not have the confidence to get it done and they hope that that’s not the case this year. This team wants nothing less than a trip to the County Ship.

Key Games:

Mt Sinai, 3/28, Away

Bayport Blue Point, 4/05, Away

Eastport South Manor, 4/29, Home

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LI Lax Journal – Girls Fab 4 Suffolk Division I – Team Previews

Posted on March 24, 2017 by FLG Lacrosse Staff

The goal of FLG’s Long Island Lacrosse Journal is to promote the sport of the lacrosse on Long Island. The LI Lax Journal will include team previews, coach interviews, rankings, top players, and much more. Follow FLG Lacrosse this Spring to get inside access to what’s happening in the world of lacrosse on Long Island!

Middle Country Girls 2017 Season Preview

Middle Country

Mascot: Mad Dogs

Suffolk Division I

Ranking: 1st

Key Returners:

Jamie Ortega, Senior, Midfielder, UNC Commit, recently named number 1 recruits from Inside lacrosse
Emily Walsh, Senior, Goalie, will be the backbone of the defense
Ava Barry, Senior, Middie, BU Commit, been on the team since 8th grade
Rachel Masullo, Senior, Midfield, LIU Brooklyn Commit
Amanda Masullo, Senior, Midfield, LIU Brooklyn Commit
Emily Diaz, Junior, Midfield, Bryant Commit, Torn ACL in Fall, Draw specialist

Key Losses:

Jordan Aiello, Cortland

“Our team should be seasoned. Our seniors have been with us for ⅚ years now. We have a strong, core senior group that do a really good job for us.” -Lindsay Dolson, Head Coach, Middle Country

Jamie Ortega is one of the best High School prospects in the entire country. Will this be the year she leads Middle Country to a County Championship?

Best Case Scenario

The Mad Dogs are looking to make noise this Spring. The 2017 Middle Country girls team is one of the best rosters this program has ever had. Not only do they have the number one recruit according to Inside Lacrosse, but they also have several Seniors with High School Varsity experience. Most of the girls on this year’s team have been together since 7th grade and they wish to make their last year one they will never forget.

Worst Case Scenario

An early exit from this year’s playoffs or not making an appearance in the County Championship would definitely be considered a failure. The Mad Dogs have a long season ahead and they’ve come up short a few times. It will be important for Middle Country to be one of the top seeds once that regular season comes to a close. Going into the playoffs with a top seed will set-up the Mad Dogs nicely for a chance to win it all.

Key Games:

Wantaugh, 4/08, Home

Smithtown East, 4/12, Home

CSH, 4/22, Away

Smithtown West, 4/26, Home

Northport, 5/08, Away

Smithtown West Girls 2017 Season Preview

Smithtown West

Mascot: Bulls

Suffolk Division I

Ranking: 2nd

Key Returners:

Jessica English, Senior, University of Vermont Commit
Katy Aldrich, Senior, Tampa Commit
Kayla Kosubinsky, Senior, Tampa Commit, Defender
Taylor Menella, Sophomore, Hofstra Commit, Midfield
Chelsea Witteck, Low Attack, Columbia Commit
Grace Langella, Junior, Hofstra Commit, Low Attack & Midfield

Key Losses:

Natalia Lynch, Georgetown, All-American Last year, All-Long Island
Mackenzie Heldberg, Hopkins, 2nd Team All-American, 2nd Team All-LI

“Our girls don’t play for themselves. They play for us. They play for our team, our school, and our family.” -Carie Bodo, Head Coach, Smithtown West

Junior Grace Langella is a multi-dimensional athlete for Smithtown. Playing low attack and midfield, there isn’t much she can’t do. Photo Credit: Desiree Keegan

Best Case Scenario:

A County Championship is on the radar for Smithtown’s core group of Seniors. If this Senior heavy group can successfully mesh with its sophomore studs, the possibilities are endless. Prior to coaching at Smithtown, Coach Carie Bobo was the Head Women’s Lacrosse Coach at Hofstra University. In an interview with Coach Bobo, she said, “Some of my best Hofstra teams didn’t have one superstar. Instead, they possessed a good group of girls that were willing to play together.” Carie compares some of her successful Hofstra team’s to her 2017 Smithtown group. A team effort this year might be enough for this group to accomplish their goal of winning a County Title.

Worst Case Scenario:

Not making the playoffs would be a huge let down for this year’s Bulls, as they feel they can make a legitimate run. To make a run, they will need help from their younger players. In a tough Suffolk Division I, it will not be an easy road.

Key Games:

Northport, 3/29, Home

Smithtown East, 4/20, Away

Middle Country, 4/26, Away

Northport Girls 2017 Season Preview

Northport

Mascot: Tigers

Suffolk Division I

Ranking: 3rd

Key Returners

Emerson Cabrera, Junior, Florida Commit, Midfield
Meghan Smith, Senior, Monmouth Commit, Defense
Natalie Langella, Senior, Bryant Commit, Attack
Olivia Carner, Sophomore, Duke Commit, Midfield
Claire Morris, Sophomore, Ohio State Commit, Goalie
Danielle Pavinelli, Freshman, Florida Commit, Attack
Nicole Orellana, Junior, Michigan Commit, Midfield

Key Lost

Noelle Peragine, Midfield, Georgetown
Kelly Jacobsen, Defense, Bryant

“Motto: NO EXCUSES.” -Carol Rose, Head Coach, Northport

Senior attacker, Natalie Langella, is a serious threat for the Tigers. Will she be the one to lead Northport back to dominance in 2017? Photo Credit: TBR News Media

Best Case Scenario:

Northport’s goal for the 2017 season is getting back to the County Championship. The Tigers have lost in the County Semi-Finals for the last 4 seasons. Star players like Emerson Cabrera (Midfield), Claire Morris (Goalie), and Nicole Orellana (Michigan) will need to perform at their best all season if the Tigers want to raise a County Championship plaque. Head Coach, Carol Rose, said, “This team has great chemistry, they work really well together, and are very unselfish. While this group is fairly young, they still expect to be a top contender in Suffolk Division I.”

Worst Case Scenario:

Not making it to the County Championship would be disappointing for the Tigers.

Key Games:

Away @ Smithtown West – 3/29/17

Away @ Smithtown East – 5/02/17

Home vs Middle County – 5/08/17

Smithtown East Girls 2017 Team Preview

Smithtown East

Mascot: Bulls

Suffolk Division I

Ranking: 4th

Key Returners:

Shannon Kavanagh, Senior, Midfielder, Florida Commit
Julia Smith, Senior, Attack, UMass
Isabella Costa, Sophomore, Attack
Gabrielle Schneider, Sophomore, Midfield/Attack
Kate Schmal, Senior, Midfield

Smithtown East’s Shannon Kavanagh (#3 RED) is a stand-out, Senior midfielder for Smithtown East. Before becoming a Gator in the Fall, she hopes to enjoy one last ride as a Bull. Photo Credit: Hudl

Best Case Scenario

On May 20th of last year, Smithtown East lost a nail-biter to eventual County Champion West Islip. Leading up to this game, Smithtown East had only lost 5 games, including two games by only one goal. This year, the Bulls reload and seek to climb back to the top of their Division. With a core group of experienced players, Smithtown might have enough firepower to compete with the likes of Middle Country, West, Northport, and WI in 2017. Come playoffs, this is a group to definitely watch out for. A trip to the County Championship is probably what’s expected from this under the radar group.

Worst Case Scenario

Not making it to a 2017 Suffolk County Championship.

Key Games:

Middle Country, 4/12, Away
Smithtown West, 4/20, Home
Northport, 5/02, Home

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