Lakeland Set to Defend, Yorktown Hopes to Challenge in 2024

Tony Pinciaro

Brie Gaccino recalled talking to her middle school teacher and then Yorktown varsity field hockey Coach Bernadette Gannon about an unfamiliar sport.

“She told me about field hockey when I was in seventh grade,” Gaccino said. “I also play lacrosse and a lot of the field hockey players I am friends with also play lacrosse.”

However, Gaccino was a soccer player. When she became a freshman, Gaccino made the decision to try field hockey. She quickly became immersed in the sport and she, along with her classmates, have been instrumental in transforming Yorktown into one of Section 1’s top programs.

The Cornhuskers have progressed annually to the point where double-digit wins and sectional victories are becoming the norm.

Gaccino and her teammates are looking to build off a successful 2023 season, which resulted in a 10-3-2 record, a No. 5 seed in the Section 1 Class B Field Hockey Championships and a first-round win. She said the program’s accelerated progression is easily explained.

“I think it’s a result of coaching the past 4-5 years,” said Gaccino, who will attend Iona University next September and also play lacrosse. “Coach Courtney is an amazing coach. She also got a lot of the lacrosse girls to come to field hockey. We work so well with each other in lacrosse. We’ve learned the basic skills of field hockey, we work well together and we’re coachable players.

“I’ve also learned leadership from captains before me to  create an amazing team. The newcomers, each year, have adapted quickly and we’ve been able to teach the new players the skills. Coach has done a really good job with us in developing really amazing field hockey at Yorktown.”

Yorktown has accomplished this rise despite not having a modified program. However, Yorktown will debut a modified field team this fall which will introduce the junior high school girls to the sport.

“We’ve grown and progressed, getting better each year, which has attracted more players,” said Gaccino, a four-year varsity starter. “New freshmen are trying it because they have heard about the amazing things we’ve established. We get better each year and this gives us new goals to strive for.

“This year we’ve added a modified team and we’ve done a few youth clinics. This first modified team is absolutely amazing and it will grow the game for us. I hope the girls will love the sport as much as I do.”

Gaccino is one of 13 seniors who are planning to make their final year special. Gaccino is the impact player on the forward line. Hannah Salles and Marissa Madden return as forwards.

Clare Ryan, who scored twice in Yorktown’s season-opening 3-0 win over Bronxville, is the playmaker at midfield. Olivia Flaim, Ava Cunneen and Dana DeCourcey are also back to assist Ryan.

Annie Durante, an All-Section Honorable Mention pick last year, headlines a veteran defense with plenty of talent. The defense consists of Norah Guss, Erin Horton, Katie Keaveney, Alexis Warren and Isabelle Bevilacqua (who will also see time at midfield).

Junior Riley Grieve and sophomore Annie Cunneen are in the forward group and sophomore Lily Diaz, an All-Section choice last year, is a force in the midfield.

Even with the large nucleus returning, juniors Adriana Torrieri (defense), Serena Zimmerman (forward) and Gabby Coppola (forward), and sophomore Juliet Horton (defense/midfield) earned varsity promotions.

Yorktown coach Courtney Hyndman has every right to be excited about this team, with 13 seniors and talented underclassmen also pushing to contribute.

“The girls have been working really hard all offseason and through preseason,” said Hyndman, in her fifth year. “Being placed in a new league this year, after many years in the same league, will present new opportunities and challenges.We are excited to see where this year takes us.

Gaccino and her teammates are also psyched to have former Pleasantville high-scoring right wing and All-Section player Brittany Paulus as their new assistant. Paulus was one of Pleasantville’s impact players during its sectional-title run of trip to the 2002 State Class C championship game for legendary coach Rosemary Sotherden.

Looking back, Gaccino was glad she chose field hockey because of what she and her classmates have accomplished and planning to add to it this fall.

“All of my life I was a soccer kid, but when I had the chance to choose what sport I wanted to play in the fall, all of my friends said let’s try something new,” Gaccino said. “I’m absolutely loving it. I’m so happy I did it.

“I speak for all the seniors when I say we are so proud of how far we’ve come as players and a program. It was all new to us in the beginning, but we learned so much from it on and off the field. And we will continue to grow because of the amazing leadership we’ve had in the past and now we will pass that down to the underclassmen.”

 

BYRAM HILLS BOBCATS

Coach: Jim Ardizone (second year)

2023 record: 1-14-1

2023 sectional results: Did not qualify.

Graduated seniors from 2023 team: Five.

Top returnees: Charlotte Chauwin, Sr., F (2023: All-League); Harli Rappaport, Sr., M; Amanda Monaco, Sr., G; Kiki Dyer, Sr., M/D; Emma Dallas, So., M; Kendall Fasold, Jr. D; Kayla Jakaj, Sr., F.

Key newcomers: Maeve Rippy, So., F; Sofia DiMeglia, So., F; Kate Wolvius, Jr., F.

Strengths: Persistence, passionate about the game, optimism.

Coach’s season outlook: The Byram Hills Field Hockey staff and players are optimistic and excited about the season. We have revamped our schedule and look to compete and continue to improve throughout the season. We have an outstanding group that deeply understands the process and looks forward to improving every day.

Noteworthy: Byram Hills opened its 2024 season with a 6-0 win over Croton. Chauwin and Dyer each had two goals and Dallas scored her first varsity goal.

 

CARMEL RAMS

Coach: Aislinn Breslin (12th year)

Graduated seniors from 2023 team: 10.

Top returnees: Liana Miele, M/D; Bella Felsenfeld, F/M; Sophia Falco, F/M/D; Addison Rosenquest, F/M; Maeve Dima, F/M; Riley Salisbury, D; Claire Deans, D; Mia Conciatori, G; Johnna Corrao, D/M/F.

Strength: Team speed.

Coach’s season outlook: I am very excited to get started this season. This is a great group of girls who are all willing and able to do whatever it takes to succeed. I am excited to see what they can do!

Noteworthy: After playing in the Rockland County league last year, Carmel is back in a league with teams from Putnam and Dutchess County. … Carmel graduates Kylie Rosenquest (Tufts), Laila Rosenquest (Boston College), Kelsey Blair (Dean) and Ashley McGough (SUNY-New Paltz) are playing field hockey at their respective colleges.

 

CROTON TIGERS

Coach: Ryan Callahan (second year)

2023 record: 0-13-2

2023 sectional: Did not qualify.

2024 sectional favorite, Class C: Bronxville.

Graduated seniors from 2023 team: Six.

Top returnees: Frankie Slippen, Sr., M; Molly Rittinger, Sr., F; Maddie Brabants, Sr., D; Jocelyn Pifer, Sr., D; Holly Robinson, Jr., M; Katie Quartucio, Sr., D.

Key newcomers: Filomena DiMarco, Jr., G; Natalie Chrelashvili, Jr., M.

Strengths: Defense, with three returning starters; senior leadership and guidance.

Coach’s season outlook: This is my second season at Croton-Harmon, and looking to build upon a foundation needed to create a successful program. We continue to work to recruit and encourage students to join the game and learn the sport. We have several new players who are learning the game and getting valuable playing experience, while playing a challenging schedule. We have a very committed, hardworking team and we are looking forward to taking the next step!

Noteworthy: 2024 graduate Samantha Sparling is playing at Smith College (Mass.).

 

HORACE GREELEY QUAKERS

Coach: Sukhwinder Sandhu (16th year)

2023 record: 17–2-1

2023 sectional result: Lost to Lakeland in the Class B title game.

2024 sectional favorite, Class B: Lakeland, Rye, John Jay-Cross River, Horace Greeley.

Graduated senior from 2023 team: Six.

Top returnees: Nina Byrne, Sr, M/D (Three-time All-State).

Coach’s season outlook: We have a good squad this year, hopefully we can pull it together and win the league/section.

Noteworthy: The Quakers opened their season with a 9-0 victory over Ursuline 9-0 behind four goals from Lilah Tainsky and two goals from Nina Byrne.

 

LAKELAND HORNETS

Coach: Sharon Sarsen (43 years)

2023 record: 16-4-1

2023 sectional and state results: Won the Class B title; Lost in Regional Final to Section 2 champion Burnt Hills, 3-2 in OT.

2024 league and sectional favorite, Class B: League – Rye, John Jay-Cross River. Section – Rye, John Jay-Cross River and Horace Greeley.

Graduated seniors from 2023 team: Eight.

Top returnees: Gabby Santini, Sr., M (2023: 20 goals, 13 assists, All-League, All-Section, All-State, Regional All-American); Keira Gallagher Sr., M (2023: 8 goals, 11 assists, All-League, All-Section); Anna Lemma, Sr., D (2023:  All League), Antonia Supino, Sr., D; Emily Daniel, Sr., F/M (2023 4 goals); Jenna Yazzetti Jr. G (2023:  83% saves, All League HM) Brianna Heyde, Jr. D, Riley Waters So., F (2023 – 10 goals and 1 assist), Gianna Santini So, D (2023 – All League, All Section HM).

Key newcomers: Gabby Goldstein, Fr., F; Aditi Parambath, Fr., F/M; Meaghan Heyde Fr., M; Winter Willbright, Jr., M; Maddie Wohlberg, Jr., F/M; Shannon Quaile, Jr., D; Victoria Myniv, Jr., F.
Strengths: Commitment to the program, work ethic, love of the game.

Question marks: How younger players will respond to bigger responsibilities. How to replace a great senior class with three All-State players and many other strong contributors.

Coach’s season outlook: 2024 is another opportunity to put our best version of ourselves on the field.  Every time we take the field, we look to win.  Our goals are to win a league championship and a Section 1 Championship.  All of our players have worked individually to improve their game and be better players and pieces of the puzzle.

Noteworthy: Bella Basulto (Pace University), Emma Numme (Hood College), Charlotte Sabert (Mercy University) and Emily Yazzetti (Dean College) are playing in college. … Sarsen is the longest-tenured Section 1 field hockey coach and has the state record with more than 700 wins. … Starting in 2009, Lakeland has won every Section 1 Class B title. … Lakeland split two games to open the season, a 9-0 win over Hen Hud (Parambath 3 goals, G. Santini 2 goals, Daniel 2 goals, Waters 3 assists), and a 1-0 loss to Section 1 and State Class A champion Mamaroneck. … Sarsen has four former players coaching Section 1 varsity teams – Leah DiSisto, assisted by sister, Marissa, (Panas), Jess Ascencao (Mahopac), Shannon Scavelli (Somers), Kim Briscoe (Valhalla).

 

MAHOPAC WOLFPAC

Coach: Jess Ascencao (first year)

2023 record: 1-12-2

2023 sectional results: Did not qualify.

Graduated seniors from 2023 team: Five.

Top returnees: Erin Harney, Sr., M (2023: All-League); Anastasia Villani, Jr., M/D (2023: All-League); Talia Salon, Sr., G (2023: All-League Honorable Mention, 80% save percentage); Shay Massett, So., M/D (2023: All-League Honorable Mention); Gabriella Bartholdi, Jr., M (2023: All-League Honorable Mention); Anni Pope; Angelina Russo.

Key newcomer: Sophia Perillo, Jr., M.

Strength: Defense.

Coach’s season outlook: We expect to have a more successful season, with many more returnees than last year. We looked at last season as a rebuilding opportunity and have spent the past year continuing to improve together. Our defense is strong, now we are looking to capitalize on our offense.

Noteworthy: Ascencao was the assistant varsity coach to Mahopac coaching legend Dona DiMaggio, who guided the then Indians to the 2001 State Class A title. … Ascencao was a member of three Lakeland Field Hockey state championship teams. Ascencao capped her New Paltz career with All-American honors. … Mahopac split two games opening week – 1-1 tie with Bronxville as Kayleigh Pontillo scored. Mahopac presented Ascencao with her first coaching win – 1-0 over Putnam Valley on a Villani goal on a penalty corner. Mahopac withstood 19 penalty corners from the Tigers.

 

PANAS PANTHERS

Coach: Leah DiSisto (fourth year)

2023 record: 4-10-2

2023 sectional results: Lost in a Class B first-round game.

2024 league favorite and sectional favorite, Class B: League — Pelham. Section – Lakeland.

Graduated seniors from 2023 team: Seven.

Top returnee: Bella Gomez, Sr., M/D.

Coach’s season outlook: We are a very young team looking to grow together. Some key seniors are finishing out their high school careers looking to improve their record from last year. We have spent preseason learning everyone’s strengths and how to best use those on the field as a team.

Noteworthy: DiSisto is assisted by younger sister, Marissa. Older sister Rebecca, a member of Lakeland’s 2003 and ‘06 New York State Class A champions, is the Section 1 Field Hockey Co-Chairperson. On the ‘06 Lakeland team, Rebecca was a starter on defense and Leah was the starting goalie. … Panas opened 2024 on a winning note, 3-0 over Byram Hills as MacKenna Vogel and Gomez each had a goal and assist.

 

PLEASANTVILLE PANTHERS

Coach: Kaitlyn Zapletal (first year)

Top returnees: Abigail Gordon, Sr., F; Lily Boes, Sr., D; Kayla Gooden, Sr., D; Penelope Ward, Sr., D; Ella McCourtney, Jr. M; Maya Fortier, Jr., D; Ashley Vamossu, So., F.

Key newcomers: Taylor Minerva, So., M; Sadie Rosengarden, So., M.

Strengths: Team bonding, offensive corners, defensive corners.

Coach’s season outlook: This season we are focused on strengthening our culture, maintaining a positive outlook and strong team bond. Everything else will fall into place. This is a great team, and I am so proud to be a part of it!

Noteworthy: Zapletal was the assistant to former coach and Pleasantville standout Kristen Coffey. … The Panthers gave Zapletal her first win – a 4-2 victory over Clarkstown – as Vamossu had a hat trick.

 

PUTNAM VALLEY TIGERS

Coach: Tracy Parchen (11th year)

2023 record: 17-2

2023 sectional results: Lost in the Class C final to North Salem, 1-0, in overtime.

Graduated seniors from 2023 team: 10

Top returnees: Kate Nielson, Sr., D; Julia Toth, Sr., D; Izzy Walther, Sr., M; Maggie Caputo, Jr., D.

Key newcomer: Leah Harman, Jr., M/F.

Strength: Defense.

Coach’s season outlook: It will be a little bit of a rebuilding year since we lost 10 seniors, most who were starters last year. The team this year has been working really hard and we are just trying to figure out the pieces to the puzzle. It seems to be coming together. I have a good group of coachable girls which is great! I’m looking forward to the season.

Noteworthy: Recent graduate Ava Harman is playing field hockey at Geneseo. … The Tigers 2023 Section 1 title-game appearance was its first since winning the 2008 Section 1 Class B title, when they upset Lakeland and Rye. … Putnam Valley went 1-1 in week one. Following a 1-0 loss to Mahopac, Izzy Kui scored in a 1-0 win over Clarkstown.

 

WHITE PLAINS TIGERS

Coach: Kasey Rabinowitz (third year)

2023 record: 6-8-3

2023 sectional results: Lost in Class A first round.

2024 league and sectional favorite, Class A: League – Horace Greeley. Section – Mamaroneck.

Graduated seniors from 2023 team: Seven.

Top returnees: Kayla Brogan, Sr., M/F; Alexis Tighe, So., F (2023: nine goals); Brooke Thomas, So., F; Francesca Marcotullio, Jr., D; McKenna Austin, So., M (2023: six assists); Micalyn Kelly, So., M.

Key newcomers: Riley Keane, So., D; Isabella Reidy, So., F; Olivia Doria, So., M/F; Adriana Mancuso, Jr., M.

Strengths: We have a lot of young returners who developed so much last year. I think we have a pretty great group of athletes who are fast/strong and I’m hoping that will be in our favor in the midfield this year!

Coach’s season outlook: Our focus is always to work hard and get better every day. We’re looking forward to some fun and tough competition this season!

Noteworthy: White Plains began the season with a 4-0 victory over Ossining behind two goals from Tighe and Kaitlyn Seguso scored her first varsity goal.

 

FOX LANE

Coach: Kim Gigante, Melissa Ponzio

2023 sectional results: Lost 2-1 in Section 1 Class A quarters to Clarkstown

Top returnees: Samantha Reder, Sr., M; Emily Kalarchian, So., M/D; Abby Locovare, Sr., M; Kayla Santos, Sr., G; Zoe Stonecipher, Sr., M

Coach’s Comments: Fox Lane Field Hockey is set to kick off the upcoming season with high expectations, returning nine seniors who bring leadership and experience. Leading the charge are five-year varsity players Sam Reder and Zoe Stoneceipher. Sam, known for her exceptional skills and gameplay, will be playing field hockey at Berkeley next year, while Zoe, a standout on the field, will continue her athletic career playing lacrosse at Stony Brook. Kayla Santos remains a solid presence in goal, continuing her strong performances from last season. Other key contributors include Abby Locovare, Riley Linehan, Georgia Webb, Madison Kalarchian, Emily Kalarchian, and Sara Renz. This group has been playing together for years, and they are determined to make this season their best yet.