Tuesday, October 13, 2026
North Shore’s field hockey team has elevated from a 5-7-1 unit in 2025 that barely scraped into the playoffs into an unbeaten giant in 2026 with Nassau County title expectations.
The Vikings lost just one senior to graduation and returned a unit that has jelled famously to an 11-0 record (9-0 in Conference 2).
North Shore still is a young team but is led by superstar senior Lila Archer, who has 10 goals and 3 assists. She is one of just two senior starters.
The Vikings are on the verge of winning their first conference title in the long reign of coach Kellie Huggins, who began in 2003.
“I’m psyched, Huggins said. “I’m really excited for the first round of the playoffs. I have good feeling about it because of the work and growth. There’s been a lot of growth from last season to this season not just in skill, but knowledge, consistency, and unity on the field.’’
As a junior, Archer was an All-County performer, but the midfielder and lacrosse star has stepped up even more in 2026. She has committed to play lacrosse at Amherst College.
“I feel like last year everyone was younger and less experienced last year,’’ Archer said. “The freshman stepping up as sophomores has been a big difference, I definitely feel we can go undefeated.’’
As a seventh-grader, Archer ran for the vaunted Vikings cross-country program but made the field-hockey swap as a freshman.
“Her growth from last season is in her confidence,’’ Huggins said. “Her ability to carry the ball down the field. She’s been willing to put more tools in her toolbox to try new things. She has a great sense for field space.’’
Three sophomores have also lifted the Vikings to new heights – sophomore Maureen Roberts and the Monte twins.
A midfielder/forward, Roberts leads the team in assists with a 4-7-11 ledger. She was All-League as a freshman.
“She’s got incredible stickwork,’’ Huggins said. “She’s great on defense, great on offense, strong in the circle. Her stickwork is what helps her stand out from the rest.’’
Jackie and Tori Monte, identical twins, are also sophomores playing beyond their years. Jackie, a midfielder, has 3 goals, 1 assist. Tori (2 goals, 2 assists) is a forward.
“They’re like a dynamic duo,’’ Huggins said. “They’re very quiet with their voices, but make up for it with their speed and determination.’
Even younger is freshman Holly Freund, relatively new to the sport. A star basketball player, Freund is in her first year as starter after spot duty as an eighth-grader. She’s already notched 3 goals, 3 assists.
“She came into the season in really great shape, really fit, really strong.’’ Huggins said. “She has speed and her stickwork continues to grow.’’
In goal is a first-year starter, junior Adrianna Collura, who has allowed just 8 goals with an 89 percent save rate. “She has a huge presence, a loud voice solid clears,’’ Huggins said.
Senior Maddelyn Ford and junior Julia Emmert have been solid on defense.
Four regular-season games remain to cement the perfect season entering the Class B playoffs. “We’re definitely capable of making it past the semis,’’ Archer said. “We’ve already played Conference 1 teams and won. We can pull through.’’
Added Huggins, “The girls have a great connection. Getting 24 girls to connect can be tricky. It’s a big family vibe. They’re also very dedicated athletes.’’
