Top 100 girls lacrosse players on Long Island for 2014
Newsday's look at the top 100 high school girls lacrosse players on Long Island for the 2014 season, listed in alphabetical order.
SHANNON ABERNETHY, Rocky Point, G, Senior: She made 161 saves last season, withstanding heavy pressure, and has helped the Eagles get off to a solid start this season. It's always good to have a smart goalie, right? Abernethy was an academic All-American last year.
KRISTEN ADAMS, Garden City, D, Junior: Has the speed and agility to stick with just about any offensive player one-on-one and has become a stalwart for a team predicated on its defense. She is committed to Pennsylvania.
JAMIE AHRENS, Massapequa, D, Senior: An intense and tenacious defender known for her hustle and pressure coverage, she helped lead the Chiefs to the Nassau Class A final. Ahrens is also a field hockey star and will play that sport at Adelphi.
ALYSSA AMORISON, Huntington, A, Junior: She is one of the better front-line passers and playmakers in Suffolk, having racked up 32 assists last season. Headed to Ohio State.
CARLEE ANCONA, East Islip, M, Senior: The Hofstra commit had 35 goals last season and is a scrappy defender with a "blue collar" mind set. With her hustle, Ancona reaches more than her share of 50-50 balls.
SAMANTHA APUZZO, West Babylon, M, Junior: The Boston College commit is an explosive scorer. She was among the Long Island leaders with 75 goals last season and continues to impress this year. She has made the Eagles a title contender.
ERIN BARRY, Manhasset, M, Sophomore: Her explosive first step allows her to create space offensively and she is a relentless single-coverage defender. Barry is committed to Pennsylvania.
KASEY BEHR, St. Anthony's, M, Senior: A Virginia-bound All-American, Behr is regarded by many as a top-five player in the country this year. She is a standout scorer and defender and handles the draw control for the Friars. Behr's height, strength and open-field speed also makes her a difficult matchup.
CHANDLEY BORGES, Lynbrook, A, Senior: A steady scorer and playmaker, she broke through last season with 74 points, including 25 assists. Borges is headed to Adelphi.
ELLA BONAFEDE, St. Anthony's, M, Senior: A versatile midfielder headed to Duke, she excels on both ends and creates possessions with turnovers and groundballs. Recently suffered a torn PCL but is expected to recover for her senior season.
MEAGHAN BRENNAN, North Shore, M, Senior: Her quickness and tireless drive have made her a relentless defender. The Bryant commit also has scored several clutch goals, including the winner in double OT of the 2012 Nassau Class C final.
SAMANTHA BRESCIA, Farmingdale, D, Senior: The UMass commit, with her athleticism and technique, helped the Dalers' defense dominate the state Class A tournament.
CHARLOTTE CAMPBELL, St. Anthony's, G, Sophomore: Quick, instinctive and fearless in the cage, she had a breakout season as a freshman with 158 saves and shined most in big games as St. Anthony's earned a national No. 2 ranking. Campbell recently committed to Virginia.
TAYLOR CARPENTIER, Garden City, G, Senior: With her length, great reaction skills and athleticism in goal, Carpentier made 129 saves in helping Garden City reach the Nassau Class B final. The George Mason commit is also a soccer and basketball standout.
JENN CASADONTE, Half Hollow Hills, M, Junior: A stalwart defender and a consistent scorer, the Notre Dame commit qualified last year for the US Lacrosse National School Girls team.
KELSEY CATALANO, Ward Melville, M, Senior: She has great speed in the midfield and fluid stick skills, and her strong lefty shot makes her effective on attack. The UConn commit also is a Newsday All-Long Island field hockey player.
CASSIE CESARIO, Oceanside, M, Sophomore: Key in the Sailors' backer zone, she also leads team in draw controls and ground balls and has emerged as a scorer (40 points). A gifted athlete, she is the younger sister of figure skating star Samantha Cesario.
MAGGIE CIFARELLI, South Side, A, Senior: The Siena-bound attack is equal parts confidence and competence. She has a strong all-around offensive game and, in particular, is a skilled passer on the front line. She and Briar Rose DeTomasso have formed a great tandem.
EMILY COHEN, Hewlett, A, Senior: The Binghamton commit is coming off a solid 66-point season, but this year has exploded offensively. She currently leads Nassau with more than 60 points and is among the leaders with 20-plus assists. She and Stony Brook-bound Sam DiSalvo have formed a lethal combo.
CARLY COMITINO, North Shore, A, Senior: Navy-bound attack erupted offensively in the playoffs, helping the Vikings win a third straight Nassau Class C title. She can thrive as a scorer or passer, as shown this season with a seven-goal game and another contest in which she had seven assists.
BRENNA CONNOLLY, Wantagh, A, Senior: The Florida commit had seven games in which she scored at least five points as Wantagh reached the Nassau Class B semifinals last season.
CHRISSY CORCORAN, Sacred Heart, M, Senior: The University of Pennsylvania commit has game sense, strong fundamentals, and her combination of height and speed has allowed her to excel on both ends. Corcoran also has developed into a consistent scorer the last two seasons.
VANESSA COSTANTINO, West Islip, M, Sophomore: She had an excellent freshman season and displayed playmaking abilities with 25 points and 29 assists, which of course brought a lot of college interest. Costantino recently committed to Syracuse.
CARLY COX, Bay Shore, A, Senior: The Colorado commit is a premier offensive facilitator (43 assists) for the two-time defending Suffolk Class A champs.
PAIGE CRAIG, Wantagh, M, Senior: A smooth and fluid athlete, the Cornell-bound Craig is a leader and stabilizer for perennial contender Wantagh. Craig is a scorer, but she also is an on-the-field coordinator for the Warriors.
HALEY CROSSON, Cold Spring Harbor, G, Junior: An aggressive and instinctive keeper, she made 134 saves last season and still has the potential to be greater. Crosson is headed to Johns Hopkins.
JACKLYN D'ALLEVA, Manhasset, D, Senior: Technically sound and instinctive with quality stick skills, the University of Pennsylvania commit anchors an elite Indians' defense and has become a vocal leader for the team.
LAUREN DALY, Shoreham-Wading River, G, Junior: Known for her clutch performances, Daly won a state title as a freshman and committed to Boston College as a sophomore. She will be a pillar as the Wildcats rebuild.
LINDSAY DARRELL, West Islip, M, Senior: The do-it-all midfielder (37 goals, 21 assists) has the Lions among the Class A contenders, and is committed to lacrosse powerhouse Northwestern.
TARA DEANGELO, Garden City, M, Senior: Among the Trojans' top offensive threats, the Villanova commit had 52 points last season. DeAngelo also is a Newsday All-Long Island field hockey player.
KERRY DEFLIESE, Garden City, M, Sophomore: A soccer and lacrosse standout with great athleticism, Defliese is a Syracuse commit whose skills continue to improve.
ALLIE DOLDER, Bay Shore, D, Senior: With her athleticism and stick skills, the Penn State commit has been one of Bay Shore's anchors. She also is a Newsday All-Long Island field hockey star.
LINDSEY EHRHARDT, Kellenberg, A, Junior: Tall, fast and possessing a powerful overhand shot, the Loyola commit is the top scoring threat for Kellenberg, a CHSAA Class AA semifinalist.
SHELBY FREDERICKS, Babylon, M, Senior: Fredericks suffered a torn ACL recently, but the All-American heads to Northwestern as one of Long Island's best all-around athletes. A Newsday All-Long Island pick in soccer and lacrosse, Fredericks scored 116 points last season.
JESSICA GEIERSBACH, West Babylon, A, Senior: The Hofstra-bound attack is one of the more balanced offensive weapons in Suffolk with 39 goals and 35 assists last season.
SAMANTHA GEIERSBACH, West Babylon, M, Sophomore: The younger Geiersbach sister made a name for herself as a freshman, emerging as one of Long Island's top scorers with 94 points. She has committed to Richmond.
SAMANTHA GIACOLONE, Eastport-South Manor, G, Junior: The three-time Newsday All-Long Island selection is aggressive and quick in the cage. The Notre Dame commit made 138 saves as the Sharks won a second straight Suffolk Class B title.
JULIA GLYNN, Manhasset, M, Senior: A Harvard-bound All-American, Glynn excels defensively and in transition, and is an offensive facilitator. Her technique and game sense make her a leader on the field. Glynn also was a Newsday All-Long Island pick in field hockey.
KATHRYN HALLET, Manhasset, M, Junior: Princeton commit with sprinter speed excels in open field - on offense and defense - and regularly beats opponents to groundballs. She has been a key factor this season for Manhasset, which is among the top-ranked teams in the country.
KYRA HARNEY, Bay Shore, M, Senior: A two-time Newsday All-Long Islander headed to Duke, Harney has led Bay Shore to back-to-back Suffolk Class A championships with her scoring (90 points) and tough defense.
KAILEEN HART, Babylon, M, Senior: The Boston College commit is extremely active on the field and has helped Babylon become a championship contender. She's coming off a 45-point season, but her role has expanded and she is on pace to double that total.
MACKENZIE HELDBERG, Smithtown West, M, Sophomore: She quickly emerged as an upper-echelon talent with a strong freshman season. Heldberg had 64 points, 69 draw controls and 32 groundballs. At 5-10 with improving athleticism, she is a Division I college prospect.
RILEY HILL, West Islip, A, Senior: An athletic and versatile weapon headed to Marquette, she had 57 points last year. She scored seven goals in a big win over West Babylon earlier this month.
KATIE HOEG, Mattituck, M, Sophomore: Talented, competitive, versatile and with game savvy that belies her age, the North Carolina commit is a bright spot and will be a building block for the Tuckers going forward.
LINDSEY HOFFMAN, East Meadow, G, Senior: An aggressive and athletic goalie with good range, she withstood heavy pressure and made 159 saves last season.
KELSEY HUFF, Eastport-South Manor, M, Freshman: Athletic and a consistent factor on both ends of the field, the freshman already was a coveted recruit and recently committed to Southern California.
KRISTEN IERNA, Miller Place, A, Senior: The Georgetown commit is a good shooter (38 goals) and playmaker (30 assists) for the improving Panthers. She has 23 goals and 16 assists already this season.
CARLEE JANELLI, North Shore, M, Junior: With tremendous stick skills and excellent technique on draw controls, the Hofstra commit does it all for the Vikings.
MORGAN JAYCOX, St. John the Baptist, A, Senior: The talented, slick-passing attack had 112 points (50 assists) and helped lead the Cougars to their first CHSAA final. The Marist commit has an uncanny ability to shoot and pass with flair, and from any angle.
BROOKE JENSEN, Cold Spring Harbor, D/M, Junior: Height, speed and strength make her tough defensively, and the UConn commit showed her offensive skills, scoring a career-high four goals recently.
JACQUELINE KENNEDY, Plainedge, M, Senior: She had 37 goals last season and was one of the cogs in a stellar defense that led the Red Devils to the Nassau Class B playoffs.
OLIVIA KIRK, Farmingdale, G, Senior: The LIU Post commit made 136 saves, combining agility with good instincts and intense focus under pressure. She also has emerged as a leader for the defending Class A state champs.
EMILY KOUFAKIS, Manhasset, M/D, Senior: A tall and athletic stalwart who excels defensively and in securing ground balls, the Stanford commit also is a capable scorer. Koufakis' versatility, toughness and do-it-all mindset has allowed her to succeed in a multitude of roles. She also was a Newsday All-Long Islander in field hockey.
GABBI LABUSKES, Northport, A, Junior: Described by her coach Carol Rose as "a fearless and prolific scorer," Labuskes is a physical presence with a precise shot. The junior, headed to Navy, is in the midst of a breakout season and has scored at least four goals in all but one of her games this season.
NATALIE LEDWITZ, Port Washington, M, Senior: A good defender and a capable scorer (40 goals) with speed and what her coach Raquel Piraino described as "textbook technique," Ledwitz led the Vikings to the Nassau Class A semis. She is headed to Old Dominion.
NICOLE LEVY, East Islip, A, Junior: The Syracuse-bound star has been a prolific scorer and led Suffolk with 124 points (79 goals) last season. She has been a Newsday All-Long Island pick in lacrosse and field hockey.
HOLLY LOGAN, Cold Spring Harbor, M, Junior: A do-it-all weapon - from offense to groundballs and draw controls - Logan's speed, grit and all-around skill helped led the Seahawks to Nassau Class C final. She is headed to Johns Hopkins.
SAMANTHA LYNCH, Huntington, M, Junior: The athletic Notre Dame commit is a lacrosse and basketball star. She racked up 95 points last season in leading Our Lady of Mercy to CHSAA Class A championship before transferring to Huntington, where she has helped elevate the team.
IZZY MANGAN, St. Anthony's, A, Junior: With her smart passes and precision shots, the Princeton commit emerged as a force on the Friars' offense last season. She also has earned a reputation of being clutch, frequently scoring crucial goals against St. Anthony's highly ranked opponents.
EMILY MARLOW, Farmingdale, M, Senior: Tall, athletic and deceptively strong, Marlow has done a little of everything over the years, but the Stony Brook commit this season has also become a primary scorer for the Dalers.
ANNALISE MARTIN, Bayport-Blue Point, D, Junior: A hounding and smart defender, she earned All-Suffolk honors last season and was a coveted recruit nationally. She chose Hofstra.
DAKOTA MASON, Eastport-South Manor, M/D, Senior: Massachusetts-bound middie scored 44 goals and is strong defensively. She tore her ACL last fall but could return later this season.
HALLIE MERZ, Babylon, A, Senior: A balanced and well-rounded offensive threat, she had 32 points last season but is in the midst of a breakout campaign now and has already surpassed that total. With the Panthers' loss of Shelby Fredericks, Merz has picked up the slack offensively. She is headed to Stetson.
JULIA MICHAELS, Mt. Sinai, G, Senior: Villanova commit has been key in two Long Island championship teams and was clutch in the 2013 state tournament as the Mustangs won the Class C title.
KERRIGAN MILLER, Bayport-Blue Point, M, Sophomore: The versatile Southern California commit had immediate success as a freshman and looks to have taken the next step.
KASEY MITCHELL, Mt. Sinai, A, Junior: Was a key cog in helping the Mustangs reach the state final as an eighth-grader in 2011, then recovered from torn ACL and was offensive force (70 points) for undefeated team in 2013. Committed to Stony Brook.
KAITLYN MONTALBANO, St. John the Baptist, M, Senior: Combining skill and flash, the Towson-bound All-American showcased her array of moves and shots in totaling 129 points last season and leading the Cougars to the CHSAA Class AA final.
KERIANNE MORAN, Sacred Heart, D, Senior: Excellent and fundamentally sound in transition and set coverage, the Holy Cross commit anchors a strong defense that has helped make the Spartans a longtime CHSAA title contender.
HALEY O'HANLON, Garden City, A, Senior: The soccer superstar had a breakout lacrosse season, emerging as a go-to finisher and a leader. The Colgate commit has also handled the draw controls and become a strong inside passer this season.
KYLIE OHLMILLER, A, Islip, Senior: A prized recruit headed to Stony Brook, Ohlmiller is in the midst of breakout season and has become an unstoppable scorer.
JAMIE ORTEGA, Middle Country, M, Freshman: High-scoring midfielder forms potent duo with sister Nikki, and recently committed to North Carolina as a freshman.
NIKKI ORTEGA, Middle Country, M, Junior: With her quickness and deft offensive skills, the Notre Dame commit has had two consecutive seasons with more than 100 points in leading an upstart Middle Country team.
SYDNEY OSHINSKI, Oceanside, M, Senior: Cortland-bound midfielder does a little of everything and does it well. She scores (46 points), is solid defensively and takes the draw.
ALLIE PAVINELLI, Northport, M, Senior: The Florida-bound standout can shoot (47 goals) and dish (32 assists) and is now the Tigers' offensive focal point. She has been slowed by a leg injury this season but is expected back soon. Her return will make Northport a true postseason threat.
SHAYNA PIRRECA, Mt. Sinai, M, Senior: A talented and reliable scorer headed to Florida, she had four goals in the state Class C final as Mt. Sinai went undefeated. Pirreca has flourished this season as the Mustangs' primary scorer.
SYDNEY PIRRECA, Mt. Sinai, A, Junior: The Florida commit can score (85 points), but it's her speed and agility that makes her special. Defenders who have had to chase her can attest: Pirreca is close to unstoppable in transition and on the Mustangs' stall plays.
MAGGIE PIZZO, East Hampton/Bridgehampton/Pierson, M, Senior: The Yale commit had 56 goals and 22 assists last year and has become even more explosive this season.
KIM PRESUTO, Syosset, G, Senior: Excelled with 157 saves as a first-year starter in 2013, and helped the Braves reach the Nassau Class A semifinals.
KERRI PUCKHABER, St. Anthony's, M, Junior: Became a major asset for the Friars last season with her abilities in transition and a propensity for forcing turnovers. The Rutgers commit continues to improve and has taken on a greater role this season.
LINDSEY RONBECK, Manhasset, A, Junior: The All-American scored 48 goals for Manhasset's balanced offense, but stood out with quick moves inside and accurate, ambidextrous shots.
SHANNON ROSATI, Shoreham-Wading River, M, Senior: Fast, athletic and tough, the Ohio State commit is strong on both ends of the field and helped win a state title in 2012. With her signature spin move, Rosati has scored more than 20 goals already this season.
EMILY ROSEN, Syosset, D, Senior: Anchors a defense that allowed the fifth-fewest goals in Nassau last season. The George Washington commit combines quickness with solid technique and stick skills.
LIZ ROURKE, Long Beach, M, Senior: A leader and consistent force on both ends of the field with height and strength. The San Diego State commit scored the winning goal that sent the Marines to the Nassau Class B semifinals last season.
MELISSA RUBIN, Long Beach, M, Senior: She is a solid offensive threat, but Rubin stands out with her hounding pressure defense, speed and nonstop motor on both ends. She is headed to the University of California.
OLIVIA RUSSELL, Sayville, A, Senior: A skilled and explosive scorer headed to Fairfield, Russell led Sayville to the Suffolk Class B final. With her multitude of shots and quickness, Russell has 29 goals already this season.
MICHELLE SCANNELL, Smithtown East, M, Senior: She has quietly excelled, impacting games on both ends and helping make the Bulls a more competitive team this season.
EMMA SCHAIT, Seaford, A, Senior: An elite offensive force since her freshman year, the Albany-bound Schait was again among the scoring leaders with 89 points last season. Her skills, in addition to her maturity and guile, have made Schait a leader for the Vikings.
CORINNE SCHMIDT, Bay Shore, D, Senior: The James Madison commit has been a pillar in an elite Marauders defense that has helped them capture two straight Suffolk Class A championships.
DANIELLE SINACORI, L.I. Lutheran, M, Senior: The pass-first playmaker had 103 points last season in helping the Crusaders reach the NYSAIS championship game. The Adelphi commit has speed and great vision and is surgical in attacking a defense.
NICOLE SINACORI, L.I. Lutheran, A, Senior: The speedy All-American led Long Island with 144 points and formed a dynamic tandem with her twin sister, Danielle. The two look for each other on the field, and with their prolific numbers, have been nicknamed the "Sina-score-i Girls."
ALEXA SMITH, Westhampton, A, Senior: She had 57 points last season, but has become a scoring machine this year. The Monmouth commit already has over 40 points and, last week, scored a career-high nine goals.
NIKKI SLIWAK, Wantagh, M, Sophomore: The athletic, three-sport standout drew interest from a slew of Division I schools, but committed to Maryland. Her speed, footwork and continually improving skills make her a key for the Warriors. Sliwak still has tremendous upside.
CATE SOCCODATO, Our Lady of Mercy, A, Junior: The Marquette commit emerged as a skilled scorer with 114 points as the Mustangs captured the CHSAA Class A championship last season. OLMA has moved up to Class AA this season and has a more challenging schedule, but Soccodato has continued to play well.
KAITLYN STACKPOLE, Kellenberg, M, Senior: An athletic and versatile midfielder, Stackpole's leadership and defensive prowess guided the Firebirds to the CHSAA semifinals. The Adelphi commit is an offensive facilitator, but is also a capable scorer.
NATALIE STEFAN, Manhasset, M, Senior: She suffered a torn ACL early this season, but had earned All-American honors with her play last year. Stefan has a prototypical combination of height, athleticism and skill, and the Pennsylvania commit was a versatile force in leading the Indians to a Long Island championship.
CARLY TELLEKAMP, Hauppauge, A, Junior: With skills and an effective shot, the Towson commit is hitting her stride this season and has a rebuilding Hauppauge team off to a solid start.
REBECCA TOOKER, Eastport-South Manor, D, Senior: With good speed and stick skill, she anchored a defense that allowed only 5.5 goals per game last season and won a second straight Suffolk Class B title. The All-American is headed to James Madison,
CARA TROMBETTA, Sachem East, M, Sophomore: She emerged as freshman with quickness and agility on the attack and defensive tenacity. Like her sister, Katie, she also is a field hockey star, but has committed to Florida for lacrosse.
KATIE TROMBETTA, Sachem East, M, Senior: Known best as a field hockey All-American, Trombetta also is a lacrosse standout. She is a tall, athletic field general with good game sense and a strong shot. Was a coveted lacrosse recruit, but she is headed to Michigan to play field hockey.
ALEX VIGNONA, Ward Melville, A, Junior: The Vermont commit has excellent field sense and vision, and is the offensive facilitator for the Patriots. Her pass-conscious style helps create ball movement and spacing.
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