High hopes for Long Beach

Long Beach coach Rachel Ray is looking for big things from a team that returned intact after winning 11 games and reaching the Nassau Class B girls’ lacrosse semifinals last spring.

“It’s a big challenge being in Conference I, but I like the idea of playing against the best teams in the county,” Ray said. “We’re not going to win every game, but I expect to compete in every game.”

The Lady Marines were tested big-time out of the gate and dropped an 11-6 decision to visiting Massapequa on March 20. They led 4-1 before the Lady Chiefs seized momentum late in the first half. “I think we can be one of the top teams if we execute,” Ray said. “Against Massapequa we only did so for 28 minutes.”

Long Beach was without one of its playmakers in the early going, but Ray said injured senior All-County attack Jillian Piazza should return to action soon. “Jillian’s the quarterback on the offense and plays a big role,” Ray noted. “Defenses focus on her. She can go to the cage and score or create opportunities for others.”

The present and future is bright for freshman Catie Breglia, who contributed plenty a year ago and opened 2013 with a hat trick against Massapequa. The lefty attack possesses the skills to be a dominant force, Ray said, and is likely to see more attention from defenders. Other contributors on attack are senior Molly Medrano, sophomores Rebecca Idson and Jessica Piazza, and freshman Kaylee Callahan.

In the midfield, junior All-County honoree Liz Rourke is dominant in the faceoff circle, a big scorer and strong in the defensive zone. She found the net four times in an 11-5 win over Locust Valley on March 22. Junior Melissa Rubin is fast and aggressive and a consistent offensive threat, and sophomore Hannah Sofield is primed for a breakout year. Sofield has excellent field vision and endurance, Ray said, and is equally solid on offense and defense. Junior Hope Henry and sophomore Erica Cohen are important parts of the midfield as well.

Defensively, senior Molly Martin is the backbone of the unit but can often be found in the midfield or in the attack zone. The Bryant-bound Martin, an All-County selection, flies all around the field and is a key on draws with Rourke. “Molly can run for days,” Ray said. “She’s incredible.” Senior Hayley Kosiner is the vocal leader in the back and works the crease area, and senior Katherine Meyers is a steady defender.

The goaltender position is deep. Senior Elyse Stark and sophomore Jacklyn Marry are back in the fold and joined by talented seventh-grader Sarah Resznick. “They’re all supportive of one another,” Ray said.

A challenging three-game road stretch for Long Beach that begins April 11 at Farmingdale and continues at Manhasset (April 15) and Wantagh (April 18) precedes a visit from seven-time defending state champion Garden City on April 24.