Somers Hoping 3rd Title Tilt’s a Charm; Loaded Greely Takes Aim

By Tony Pinciaro

Somers is planning on making a third consecutive trip to the Section 1 Class B Girls Lacrosse championship game the charm.

The Tuskers have played for the Class B title the last two years only to be denied by John Jay-Cross River.

“Talent-wise we were equivalent,” said senior and captain Lauren McCartin about the 2022 title game. “They got the momentum and ran with it. We hit this lull and couldn’t get out of it. We’re looking to get back there and Coach Deb (Daly) and Coach Ali are preparing us for that.”

McCartin and her teammates began preparation for the 2023 season as soon as the 2021-22 school year concluded, fueled by the loss.

“I think it actually helped us,” said McCartin, who will attend Yale in the fall and also play lacrosse. “In the offseason we worked very hard, putting in the extra reps. The loss lit a fire in us.”

Based on their returning talent, Somers will be a team to beat, especially come sectional time.

The Tuskers return eight veterans with an impact player on attack, midfield and defense. They also feature three college-bound lacrosse players in McCartin, senior Maddie Lyle (Wofford) and Teagan Ryan (University of Colorado). And, junior Molly Fink is committed to Holy Cross.

Ryan and Fink are a formidable tandem on attack with junior Mia Parisi. McCartin, a four-year varsity player, controls the midfield along with sophomore Syndey Ingraham. Lyle, fellow senior Victoria Olsen and junior Ella Lassen are a stingy defense.

The veteran returning core will be challenged every time Somers steps on the field as coach Deb Daly created a difficult schedule. Almost all of Somers’ opponents had winning records in 2022 and qualified for sectionals. The Tuskers will also host Ridgefield (Ct.) and play at New Canaan (Ct.).

Somers has May 3 circled on its calendar as the Tuskers go to nemesis John Jay-Cross River.

McCartin and her teammates welcome the high-caliber competition.

“The coaches made a pretty challenging schedule for us to prepare us for sectionals,” said McCartin, who plans on majoring in Biology on a Pre-Med track. “We would much rather play challenging teams and improve than games where it’s a blowout for us and we’re not learning anything.”

Somers opened its season with a 15-14 win over Pelham. The Tuskers travel to Rye, Tuesday, 3/28, and host perennial Class A power North Rockland, Thursday, 3/30.

Even though Somers is playing John Jay-Cross River during the regular season, McCartin and her teammates know that should the two teams meet in the Section 1 Class B semis or final, the Tuskers will be ready from the opening whistle.

“We’re going to learn so much about ourselves throughout the season and pick up momentum for sectional play,” McCartin said. “We have a lot of talent on this team. Everyone on this team is very dedicated. For most of us this is our main sport.

“We work every hard and show up every single day, looking to getting better. We all support each other and back each other which helps us continue building on the chemistry we already have.”

BREWSTER BEARS

Coach: Kristen Ohberg (second year)

2022 record: 7-10

2022 Section 1 result: Lost in the 1st round to Eastchester

Top returnees: Margo Cunningham, Sr., M; Morgan Brace, Sr., M; Moe Poley, Sr., M; Emma Bridges, Sr., D.

Key newcomers: Kaitlyn Flanagan, 8th-grade, M.

Strengths: Defense and connections, offensively

Coach’s outlook: We are hoping to have a very strong season. We have eight seniors and six juniors returning. With a veteran team we are hoping that their IQ and skill-set will positively help our connections on the field. They are a very focused and driven group of girls. They have spent numerous hours in their offseason dedicated to getting better and to be game ready for this season.

Noteworthy: Cunningham will attend Albany and play lacrosse, Brace will attend Cortland and play lacrosse and Poley will attend Meredith College (NC) and play lacrosse. … Brewster will host rival Carmel on Senior Night (May 5). Brewster beat Carmel in double overtime last year. … The girls and boys teams will play, back-to-back, in the Morgan’s Message Game, May 9, against Lakeland/Panas.

FOX LANE FOXES

Coach: Jamie Williams (second year, 13th overall)

2022 record: 15-3

2022 Section 1 result: Lost in the sectional semis to Mamaroneck

Top returnees: Zoe Stonecipher, So., A (2022 All-Section); Michaela Kaltsas, Fr., A; Maddie Broghammer, Sr., M; Sophia Bueti, So., M (2022 All-League); Juliana Giattino, Sr., D.

Coach’s outlook: With a young team and many new players, our goal is to get better each practice and game. Many of our girls play 2-3 sports so they know how to go out and compete.

Noteworthy: Fox Lane graduates Emma Greene and Eugenia Kaltsas are playing at Colby and Hamilton, respectively.

HALDANE BLUE DEVILS

Coach: Keri Dempsey (second year)

2022 record: 4-12

2022 Section result: Lost in the first round to Briarcliff

Top returnees: Mairead O’Hara, Sr., M (2022: 32 goals, 19 assists); Amanda Johanson, Sr., M/A (2022: 19 goals); Caroline Nelson, Sr., M/A; Kayla Ruggiero, Fr., A (2022: 16 goals); Moretta Pezzullo, Sr., D; Ruby Poses, Jr., D/A; Lola Mahoney, Jr., G (2022: 160 saves)

Key newcomers: Betsy Cates, Sr., D; Madeleine Knox, Sr., D; Amelia Alayon, So., D; Ellie Mahoney, Fr., D; Jenny Knox, Fr., D; Near Sevilla, Fr., D; Anna-Catherine Nelson, Fr., M; Marisa Peters, Fr., M; Samantha Thomas, Fr., A.

Strengths: Experience, as this team has played together for three years, depth with 22 players on the team.

Coach’s outlook: I am very excited to see how our team performs this season. They are all used to how each other plays and can read each other very well. This is the largest team we’ve had. I think it is going to be a season for the books!

Noteworthy: In its first varsity year, Haldane qualified for sectionals. … Haldane opened, Saturday, at Suffern in a tournament. The Blue Devils play at Ossining, Tuesday, 3/28.

HEN HUD SAILORS

Coach: Rob Molfetta (eighth year)

2022 record: 12-7

2022 Section 1 result: Lost to Tappan Zee in a semifinal

League favorite: John Jay-Cross River

Section favorite: Rye

Top returning players: Madison Porter, Sr., G (five-year starter, 2022 All-Section); Caroline Clark, A; Katherine Couch, D; Lexi Robinson, D; Caitlin Pignitaro, M; Paige Montgomery; Kayla McCarthy.

Strengths: Athletic and fast.

Question marks, if any: Our depth will be tested if we get any injuries as we are young at many positions.

Coach’s outlook on the season: We will look to compete in every game and improve as the season progresses. Our defense will have to play well early in the season until some players gain valuable experience.

HORACE GREELEY QUAKERS

Coach: Margaret Sharp (second year)

2022 record: 16-0.

2022 Section 1 result: Lost to Somers in a semifinal

Top returnees: Bae Bounds, Jr., M (2022: 58 goals, 12 assists, 25 draw controls); Erica Rosendorf, Sr., M (2022: 47 goals, 8 assists, 82 draw controls); Rowan Edson, So., M (2022: 42 goals, 17 assists); Finley Pollard, Sr., A (2022: 26 goals, 32 assists); Tatum Walsh, Jr., G (2022 stats: 137 saves).

Coach’s outlook: We are looking forward to playing a lot of tough competition and building on the success we had last season.

Noteworthy: Rosendorf will be attending Georgetown and also play lacrosse at Georgetown next year. She will be joining Greeley LAX alumni Molly Byrnes, who is currently a freshman playing at Georgetown.

LAKELAND/PANAS REBELS

Coach: Christy Hart (third season)

2022 record: 7-9

2022 Section 1 result: Lost to Horace Greeley in a quarterfinal game.

League favorite: Horace Greeley

Section favorite: John Jay-Cross River

Top returnees: Kaelen Sieja, Sr., G; Valentina Mejia, Sr., G; Isabel Kocaj, Jr., D (2022 All-League Honorable Mention); Clare Warren, Jr., M; Kaitlyn Wilkowski, Jr., A; Ashley Glass, Jr., M.

Key newcomers: Madalena DiMirco, So., M; Brooke Pizzarello, Fr., M; Lily Whippo, So., M/D.

Strengths: Midfield, led by Warren; goalies.

Question marks, if any: Looking for a vocal leader on defense.

Coach’s outlook: We have a passionate, young group of ladies that are ready to learn and to work. Leadership also comes in all ages. We are excited to see who takes on what leadership style as the season progresses.

Noteworthy: Seija is committed to attending the University of Akron and playing lacrosse. … Hart will go on maternity leave so assistant coaches Leah and Marissa DiSisto will coach the team. The DiSisto players both played lacrosse for former Lakeland/Panas coach Sharon Sarsen.

MAHOPAC INDIANS

Coach: Christina D’Amore (second year)

2022 record: 13-4

Top returnees: Antonia DiCioccio, Sr., A; Katie Watts, Sr., M; Riley Massett, Sr., A/M; Giana Rispoli, Sr., D; Grace Witt, Sr., D/M; Sasha Gagnon, Sr., D; Shaylah Fennessy, Sr., A; Hannah Harney, Sr., A; Juliana Mangione, Jr., M; Gia Perrillo, Jr., D; Adrianna Pranzo, Jr., M; Erin Harney, So., A/Ms; Kayla Westcott, Jr., G.
Key newcomers: Brook Plath, Jr., A/M; Valentina Vuksansj, Jr., D; Amanda Carey, Fr., G; Ashley Koch, Fr., M.

Strengths: Returning, experienced nucleus, led by the seven seniors, depth, offense.

Coach’s outlook: Our focus for this season is to win our league and compete for the sectional championship. We have talented and strong players returning this season, as well as hard-working younger players ready to learn and add to the team. Returning captain, Grace Witt is fired up and ready to bring it on! Captains Katie Watts, Riley Massett and Juliana Mangione are also ready to get the season rolling. We have eight seniors this year and are ready for an exciting and fun season!

Noteworthy: Watts will be attending the University of Tampa. Massett will be attending Widener University next year. Hannah Harney will attend SUNY-Delhi. … Before becoming head coach, D’Amore coached the modified GLAX team for eight years and JV for 10 years. … Amanda Fredrick joins the team as D’Amore’s new assistant coach.

OSSINING PRIDE

Coach: Natasha Javed (first year)

Top returnees: Anjali Layman, Sr., A/M; Isabella Florez, Sr., D; Audrey Schnecker, Sr., G; Adrienne Kantrowitz, Jr.,. M; Sabrina Jones Patterson Leak, So., A.

Key newcomers: Ella Nee, So., M; Paige Pena, Fr., M.

Strengths: Returning core group, highlighted by Layman on offense and Florez on defense, enthusiasm.

Coach’s outlook: Ossining girls lacrosse is growing as a program! Our youth girls are getting sticks in hands at younger ages while Varsity and JV level players guide them through ongoing camps throughout the year! Our varsity team is learning how to grow together as a team through collaboration and accountability! Together, we are finding ways to implement high-level output from our practice performance into real-life game settings! We have some incredible defenders, mid fielders and attack players on Ossining girls lacrosse this year! I can’t wait to see where this season goes!

Noteworthy: Ossining opened the season with a 15-9 loss to Croton as Kantrowitz had three goals and two assists. Nee scored her first varsity goal in the game. … Former standout Kacie Scarduzio is playing lacrosse at Iona. … Javed has coached Ossining modified GLAX. She played lacrosse at Pearl River for coach Laurie Mayernik.

PLEASANTVILLE PANTHERS

Coach: HannahTiso (first year)

2022 record: 11-6

2022 Section 1 result: Lost in the semis to Bronxville.

League favorite: Westlake

Section favorite: Bronxville

Top returnees: Ciara McCarthy, Jr., G (104 saves last year, including 19 ground balls, All-League); Gianna Doto, Sr., M (2022: 17 goals, 30 draw controls, All-League); Kayla Collins, Jr., A (2022: 29 goals, All-League, All-Section honorable mention); Rowan Capko, Jr., M; Cadence DeLuca; Erin Drillock, Jr., A (2022: 18 goals, All-League).

Key newcomers: Ella McCourtney, Fr., M; Ella Collins, Fr., A; Faith Brown, 8th-grade, M.

Strengths: Speed, offense, newcomers impact on the offense and defense, once they settle in.

Coaches outlook: This season is very special for us coaches and our players. The girls received two new coaches, with a new outlook and coaching style which can be a difficult transition. We needed to form a relationship with the girls, and get to work right away. We have a worthy offense that will connect and come together quickly after working together for some time. Having key returning players is crucial to mold our offense where it needs to be. Our defense is athletic, and extremely coachable. They are fortunate to be learning from one of the best coaches in the game, Ellen Mager. The girls are devoted, and are willing to work hard to receive what they deserve. I am extremely excited to begin this journey with such a remarkable group of girls.

PUTNAM VALLEY TIGERS

Coach: Amanda Vasta (fourth year)

Section 1 results: Did not qualify

Top returnees: Faith Carravone, Sr.; Emily Nielsen, Sr.; Ava Harman, Jr.

Key newcomers: Ella Wendol, 8th-grade; Isabella Colletti, 8th-grade; Lily Cotrell, 8th-grade.

Coach’s outlook: I am looking forward to a great season of growth, strength and team accomplishments.

VALHALLA VIKINGS

Coach: Chris Doerr (fourth year)

2022 record: 4-12

League favorite: Valhalla and Blind Brook

Section favorite: Bronxville

Top returning players: Morgan Kruger, Sr., M; Isabella Vlad, Sr., A; Lillian Ratti, Sr., D.

Key newcomers: Juliana Conley, So., M; Avery Etman, Fr., M.

Strengths: Well-balanced team with good leaders. Excited to see what the girls experience can bring when combined with overall talent.

Coaches outlook: I am excited for a promising season. We have talent on both sides of the field as well as in goal. The girls bring a great amount of energy and positive attitudes every day. I am hoping that we can take this and run with it to make for a positive season.

WESTLAKE WILDCATS

Coach: Dan Smith (14th year)

2022 record: 14th season in charge of the program

2022 record: 11-6 (League champions)

2022 section result: Lost to Albertus Magnus in a quarterfinal round.

Top returnees: Francesca DeMartino, Sr., M (2022 All-Section); Shaina Picucci, So., A; Bella Schliman, So., D.

Key newcomers: Maura Spruck, So., G.

Strengths: We have a solid group of returners and we have added youth, athleticism and a solid group of new players that make us deep at many positions.

Coach’s outlook: We have a heavy beginning schedule so we will be tested around the section, in and out of our class. We will play all our games away because of new field construction so our camaraderie and togetherness will be a huge factor.”

Noteworthy: Westlake will play its annual three rivalry games with fellow Mount Pleasant schools – Pleasantville, Briarcliff and Valhalla.

YORKTOWN CORNHUSKERS

Coach: Heather Raniolo (second year)

2022 record: 7-11

2022 Section 1 result: Lost to John Jay-Cross River in the semifinals.

Top returnees: Alexandra Scialdone, Jr., A (Clemson commit);

Kaitlin Regan, Jr., M (Skidmore commit); Gianna Altimari, Jr., M (2022 All-Section, All-League); Reese Bruno, Jr., D (Binghamton commit, 2022 All League); Reileigh McEnroe, So., D (Maryland commit); Brie Gaccino, So., A.

Top newcomers: Annie Cunneen, 8th-grade, M.

Strengths: We are returning the majority of our team this season, as well as two captains. The experience playing together has only helped the girls gel and come together more confidently this season.

Coach’s outlook on the season: My expectations remain high for them and only continue to grow. We didn’t finish the way we would have hoped last year, but we grew and learned a ton. Since the season came to an end, the section title has been all that we have envisioned. The girls are working hard and bringing high energy into every practice. We are working to get better every day and are willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done.

Noteworthy: Yorktown opens the season, Thursday, against Mamaroneck.