Top 10 Long Island field hockey teams to begin the 2026 season
Sachem East's Kacey Berger celebrates her goal in the third quarter during a Suffolk field hockey game against Patchogue-Medford on Sept. 15, 2025, at Sachem East. Credit: Bob Sorensen
1. Sachem East
Sachem East had a perfect run against Long Island competition, going 19-0 before falling in the state semifinal to Section I’s Mamaroneck. The team graduated a strong senior class, but leading scorer Kacey Berger returns after tallying 12 goals and 14 assists last season. Sachem East is 1-0.
2. Ward Melville
The Patriots graduated Newsday’s 2025 Suffolk Player of the Year Hadley Torre but still have the talent to continue their success. Ward Melville finished 16-2 and reached the Suffolk Class A championship last season; the Patriots are 1-0 to start this season. Lily Tamburo and Kaitlyn Toth will each step into leadership roles.
3. Garden City
The Trojans went unbeaten on the road to their fifth straight Long Island Class B title before falling in the state semifinal to Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake (Section II). Leading scorers Casey Psaki (12 goals, 4 assists) and Grace Brantuk (4 goals, 10 assists) return to headline the offense. The Trojans are 1-1 after falling to Manhasset for the first time since 2023.
4. Northport
With Julianna Tietjen returning, the Tigers already are a force to be reckoned with. The Hofstra commit led Long Island in points with 26 goals and 11 assists as Northport finished 12-5 and reached the Suffolk Class A semifinals. The Tigers are 2-0 to start this season.
Julianna Tietjen of Northport shoots on Ward Melville goalkeeper Olivia Zummo during a Suffolk Division I field hockey game on Oct. 22, 2024. Credit: Peter Frutkoff
5. Eastport-South Manor
The Sharks claimed a Suffolk Class B title before falling in the Long Island championship, finishing 18-2. Katelynn Murtha, who tallied 17 goals and 11 assists last season, already is making a statement with one goal and five assists. Lexi Quiery added five goals and an assist as ESM starts 3-0.
6. Manhasset
Manhasset fell to rival Garden City in the Nassau Class B final, finishing 12-5. Eden Randall returns to bolster the team’s midfield unit after leading Long Island with 19 assists. Manhasset is now 2-0, including a win over the Trojans on Sept. 7.
Eden Randall of Manhasset communicates with her teammates during a Sept. 7 game against host Garden City. Credit: Joe Orovitz
7. Bayport-Blue Point
The Phantoms won their first Long Island Class C title before falling in the state semifinals to Section IX’s Rondout Valley, finishing 17-2. Leading scorer Lily LiPuma (13 goals, 12 assists) returns to headline BBP’s offense. The Phantoms are 3-0 to start as Kaelyn Aiello leads the team with five goals and an assist.
8. Harborfields
The Tornadoes fell to Eastport-South Manor in the Suffolk Class B final and are prepared for a potential rematch. They return a strong roster featuring standout rookie Emma Glick, who led Harborfields (16-4) with nine goals and eight assists as a freshman. Harborfields is 2-1 to start as Evelyn Bavaro leads the Tornadoes with three goals and three assists.
9. Massapequa
Massapequa won its fifth straight Nassau Class A title before falling in the Long Island championship, finishing 12-7. The team graduated Newsday’s 2025 Player of the Year Aliya Hassett but returns plenty of skill and is 1-1 to start the season.
10. Carle Place
The Frogs won their 13th consecutive Nassau Class C title before falling in the Long Island championship to Bayport-Blue Point, finishing 12-5. Emi Coronel (6 goals, 10 assists) will return as the team’s primary facilitator. Carle Place is 0-1 to start after falling to Manhasset.
Tess Ferguson is a reporter on Newsday's high school sports staff. She joined the team after graduating with a journalism degree from Ithaca College in 2025.
