LILJ Girls Winter League Week 3 Recap: Game Write-Ups, Analysis, Player Performances

Week three of the LILJ Girls Winter League closed out pool play in exciting fashion, with 11 games played on Sunday featuring some down to the wire matchups, and standout individual performances. With seeding on the line, there was some late-game drama, and strong all-around efforts as players looked to make a statement heading into January. The final slate of pool play continued to showcase the depth of talent throughout the league and set the stage for what looks to be a highly competitive and entertaining playoff run. Let’s go back and review the Sunday games as we close out 2025!

Legacy Blue 2030 vs Ward Melville JV

Starting off the Sunday slate of games the 2030s of Legacy took on the Patriots JV squad, and this one saw Legacy jump out to a commanding start and never look back, earning a 15–7 win over Ward Melville. Legacy set the tone early with a dominant first half, scoring 10 goals behind quick ball movement, aggressive rides, and an offense that was firing on all cylinders. Ward Melville showed resilience in the second half with six goals, but the early deficit proved too much to overcome as Legacy continued to control possession and tempo. Offensively, Kaylee Webb continues to be the bus driver for Legacy, finishing with a game-high seven points with four goals and three assists while consistently creating opportunities for teammates. Alexa Raio was equally impactful, posting five points with two goals and three assists and orchestrating the offense from up top. Alexa Stein and Julia Madsen each added two goals, while Jordan Hamill chipped in with two goals of her own and strong work in the midfield, including draw control contributions. Legacy’s depth showed throughout the lineup, with multiple players finding the scoresheet and winning key ground balls. The defense saw Kate Salva lead the team in takeaways with three caused turnovers to give them extra offensive possessions. Ward Melville JV responded with a strong second-half push led by Savannah Antonetti, who recorded five points, dishing out four assists and scoring once and was involved in nearly every offensive possession. Kailey Finley finished with three goals, and MacKenna Negus added two goals, an assist while battling on the draw coming away with four draw control wins. The Patriots defense forced eight turnovers led by two each caused by Harper Karp and Sophia Ciappa.

Legacy Blue 2030 vs Team 91 Thunder 2029

In the second of a back-to-back for Legacy Blue they aimed to make it two straight wins on the day, and they did just that as they powered past Team 91 Thunder 16-5 to conclude pool play with a 3-1 record heading into the playoffs. Legacy delivered a strong all-around performance, pulling away in both halves with pace, depth, and consistent pressure on both ends of the field. Legacy built a 7–2 halftime lead behind efficient offense and strong defensive stops, then opened the game up after the break by scoring nine second-half goals while limiting Thunder to just three. The Legacy offense was led by Kaylee Webb and Alexa Stein, who each finished with six points. Following up a Sven point game one performance, Webb recorded four goals and two assists in game two, consistently breaking down defenders and finishing in tight spaces. In total Webb has posted an astounding 22 points in four games this winter which leads the league among all players for total points with one team. Alexa Stein matched Webb’s performance with four goals and two assists of her own, thriving in transition and off-ball movement. Dani Raupp added a hat trick, capitalizing on quick possessions and strong reads from behind the cage, and Alexa Raio chipped in with two goals to keep the pressure on throughout the game. Legacy’s midfield and defensive units played a major role in controlling the flow. Kaylee Zummo contributed on both ends with one goal and one assist and strong work on the ground, while Jordan Hamill helped control the draw circle going 3/4 on draws and added a goal. In the ground ball department Legacy was all over the field, with five different players coming up with three ground balls including Abigail Puopolo, Tessa Fitch, Kaylee Zummo, Savannah St. John and Kendal DeHoyas. Coming up with two ground balls each was Delaney Plutzer, Brooklyn Paulus, Alexa Stein, Brooke Stoehr, Kate Salva and Julia Madsen. In net, Cali Sorok and Olivia Mullins combined for a steady showing, with Mullins posting a 75% save rate to shut down Thunder’s second-half push. For 91 Thunder, their five goals were scored by five different players including Gabriella Dantes, Lina Lagravenese, Kiera Brown, Ellie Triolo and Martina Battaglia. On defense Logan Gialella continues to be a ground ball magnet, leading all players with six ground balls in the contest.

Jesters Pirreca 2029 vs Manhasset JV

The 29s of Jesters and Manhasset JV battled right down to the wire where the Jesters came away with a 12-11 win in a back-and-forth matchup that featured momentum swings, timely goals, and strong individual performances on both sides. After trailing 3-1 in the early stages of the game Manhasset rallied for a 5-1 scoring run to close out the first half, to take a 6–4 halftime lead behind efficient ball movement and balanced scoring. Jesters responded in a big way after the break, outscoring Manhasset 8–5 in the second half to comeback and win a thriller! The Jesters offense saw Kylie Gorman post a game-high four points, scoring two goals with two assists and consistently create scoring chances both as a finisher and distributor. The four point performance for Gorman now gives her 17 points in four games played for Jesters which is tied for the second most points in the entirety of the winter league with one team. Tessa Antonetti provided an offensive spark with her two goals and one assist, while Sophie Angelo and Alice Meaney each chipped in with two points with a goal and an assist from Angelo and two goals for Meaney. The second goal scored by Meaney proved to be the one to put Jesters in front for good on a textbook give and go with Gorman inside of three minutes remaining. Also contributing to the offense with one goal each was Brooke Benanti, Daniella Tofano, Allie Lizza and Lila Newman while Grace Rentz, Isabella Antonetti and Madison McCarthy each dished out an assist. On the draw Olivia Wong came away with three draw control wins, while the defense saw Mackenzie Anderson, Shannon O’Shea, Daniella Tofano and Ava FitzGibbon record a caused turnover. On the flip side Manhasset was led by a balanced attack, with Abigail Bauer finishing with two goals, two assists and playing a major role in Manhasset’s first-half success. Ellie Nicosia recorded a hat trick, showing poise around the crease, while Riley Ortolano dished out three assists to keep the offense flowing. Adding to the offense with two goals each was Chloe Tolentino and Daniela Giampetruzzi with one goal scored by Lila Smith.

Team 91 Frenzy 2030 vs Manhasset JV

Team 91 Frenzy edged Manhasset 12–9 in an up-tempo, competitive matchup that featured strong offensive performances and great play-making by both teams. Frenzy jumped out to a 6–4 halftime lead and maintained control in the second half, matching Manhasset goal-for-goal to secure the three-goal win and conclude pool play with a 3-1 record. Team 91 Frenzy continues to be powered by Elle Meyer offensively, who delivered a dominant performance with five goals on six shots, consistently finishing chances and setting the tone offensively. Avery Pescatore added two goals, while Audrey Miller and Ashley Callahan each contributed multiple points to a balanced Frenzy attack. Defensively, Frenzy got key saves from Maryann Scarnati and Antoinette Valente, allowing them to hold off Manhasset’s pushes and close out the win and in the ground ball department Hailey LaGala had a team-high three gb’s to give Frenzy extra possessions. Manhasset was led by an outstanding all-around performance from Daniela Giampetruzzi, who finished with a game-high seven points, doing plenty of damage as a facilitator with five assists while also finding the back of the net twice. Chloe Tolentino continued her strong stretch with four goals and an assist, attacking confidently and finding space in the middle of the defense. Lila Smith added two points, while Julianna Stepanian and Isabel Whang each chipped in goals. Defensively Emerson Post stood out with four ground balls and physical play, helping Manhasset compete between the lines.

Team 91 Roar 2029 vs Top-Tier

Team 91 Roar 2029 put together a stellar performance, pulling away early and securing a 20–9 victory over the Top-Tier Free Agents. Roar set the tone from the opening draw, building an 11–3 halftime lead behind efficient offense and consistent pressure on both ends of the field. While Top-Tier showed fight in the second half, 91’s ability to hold a sizable advantage in number of possessions proved to be the difference. The Roar led by an outstanding showing from Juliet Diorio, who finished with five goals, nine ground balls, and made her presence felt all over the field. As a two-way midfielder Diorio has been an absolute game changer every time she steps on the field both offensively and defensively. Addison Fox was another major catalyst, tallying a game-high seven points with a three goal, four assist performance while facilitating offense and creating scoring opportunities for teammates. Jaidyn Marchitto added four points with a hat-trick and an assist while Avah Robinson delivered two goals and two assists and was strong at the draw, helping Roar control possession. The depth of their offense continued as Riley LaRocca tallied three points with two goals and an assist and Sophie Kasouf struck for two goals. Top-Tier was paced by Juliann Brzeski (Stony Brook) who led her side with three goals, showing toughness attacking the cage. Austyn Cerasi added two goals, while Kalli Sakalis (Nova Southern) contributed with two assists to help generate offense. Scoring one goal each was Kayla Innes, Sophia Caramico, Skylar Wegiel, and Katie Kassap.

YJ Gaghan Torre 2027 vs GC Tradition 2028

YJ Gaghan Torre 2027 put together a complete team performance to earn a 15–5 win over GC Tradition 2028, pulling away after an 8–2 first half and maintaining control throughout the second half. YJ set the tone early with efficient offense and steady defensive pressure, limiting Tradition’s scoring chances and forcing turnovers in key moments. The offense was led by Katelynn Murtha (USF), who delivered a dominant five-goal performance on seven shots, consistently winning matchups and finishing inside. Kate Paul (Rider) added a big day of her own with three goals and an assist, while Ellie Speidell served as a catalyst from the midfield, posting one goal and three assists to finish with four points. Elena Ciaccio and Liliana May (UMass) each contributed three points, helping keep the offense balanced and difficult to defend. Defensively, YJ Gaghan Torre controlled the middle of the field, winning ground balls and disrupting Tradition’s rhythm. Caitlin Masera (Stony Brook) stood out with three draw controls and strong defensive work, while multiple players chipped in with caused turnovers to keep possession flowing in YJ’s favor. In goal, Ava Kalmar anchored the net with three saves on five shots, holding Tradition to just two first-half goals and allowing YJ to build a comfortable cushion. For GC Tradition, Kelly Lynch and Ava Oppedisano each scored twice to lead the offense, with Arianna Lanzello adding the team’s fifth goal.

YJ Babst 2030 vs Team 91 Avalanche 2028

The 2030s of  YJ Babst continued their tremendous play over the weekend, pulling away for a decisive 15–5 win over Team 91 Avalanche 2028. YJ Babst jumped out early with a 9–2 first-half advantage and continued to control the pace in the second half, leaning on balanced scoring, strong draw control, and a defense that was very active in creating takeaways. Offensively, YJ Babst showcased not just their supreme talent, but also their depth, with multiple players contributing to the scoring column. Mackenzie Klammer led the way with a team-high four points on three goals and an assist, consistently creating opportunities and keeping the opposing defense on their heels. Julia Babst finished with a hat trick, converting on her chances inside, while Ava Ciofrone put together a well-rounded game with three points of her own on two goals and an assist, along with a team-best five ground balls. Maggie Giachetti chipped in two goals and was in command on the draw circle, winning all four of her draw attempts to help Babst maintain possession. Adding to the flurry of goals for YJ Babst was Evelyn Avery, Ella Dolezal, Vivienne Speidell and Gabby Surdi and Ally Voss each scoring once. Reilly Toner facilitated with two assists and adding one assist to the column was Hailey Rosati and Alaina Hollingsworth. As a team the YJ Babst defense turned over Avalanche 21 times led by the four caused turnovers by Ava Ciofrone followed by two takeaways each from Hailey Rosati, Juliette Smith, and Ella Dolezal. For 91 Avalanche their five goals were scored by five different players including Christina Granata, Madeleine Warner, Gianna Forgione, Kayla Innes and Austyn Cerasi. In the cage playing in the first half was Makayla Blaising who added another nine saves to her total and is now at 29 total saves for Avalanche which is good for fifth most total saves through the first three weeks of the league with one team.

Northport vs Bayport Varsity

Two of Suffolk County’s contenders went head-to-head as the Tigers faced the Phantoms, and this one was controlled by the Tigers as they put together a very stout two-way performance to earn a 13–7 victory over Bayport–Blue Point, building a commanding first-half lead and controlling the game from start to finish. Northport jumped out to a 9–3 advantage at the break behind efficient ball movement and a well balanced offensive attack, then matched Bayport’s effort in the second half to secure the six-goal win. Offensively, Riley Cash (Ohio State) was the engine for Northport, finishing with a game-high seven points on one goal and six assists. Her vision and ability to draw defenders opened up scoring opportunities all over the field. Kaleigh Howard (Old Dominion) led all goal scorers with five goals and added an assist, consistently converting inside and on set opportunities. Kate Atkinson (Vanderbilt) added a hat trick of her own, while Megan Florio (Marist) chipped in two goals to round out a productive Northport attack. Northport also made its mark in transition and on the defensive end. Emma Greenberg (Florida) controlled the draw circle, winning four draws and helping Northport maintain possession throughout the game. Caitlin Cocks facilitated the offense with three assists, while Cassidy Ferrara and Charlotte Radigan each added timely goals. In net, Northport received efficient goaltending, with Natalie Barth stopping five shots in the first half and Morgan Krinsky closing out the second half with four saves to keep Bayport at bay. Bayport–Blue Point showed resilience, especially after halftime. Sara Richardt (Binghamton) led the way with three goals, while Eva Carvalho (Albany) recorded three points on a goal and two assists. Kailey Bruckner (Towson) and Kayla Bongiorno (Winthrop) each found the back of the net, and Liliana May (UMass) contributed two assists from the midfield.

Sayville vs Manhasset Varsity

The Golden Flashes of Sayville and Manhasset, two of Long Island’s top programs faced off and it was Sayville who came out firing and never looked back, earning a 15–10 win over Manhasset behind a fast-paced offense and balanced scoring effort. Sayville set the tone early with an 8–4 first-half advantage, capitalizing on possessions and converting consistently in transition before outscoring Manhasset by one in the second half to seal the victory. Offensively, Sayville was led by Olivia Razzano (UMass), who orchestrated the attack with six points on one goal and five assists, consistently creating high-quality looks for her teammates. Dylan McNamara (FSU) finished with four goals on five shots, showcasing efficiency around the cage, while Morgan Farrell (Hopkins) added four points with a hat-trick and an assist and made her presence felt on both ends of the field. Carly Cangelosi (Rutgers) chipped in with two goals and two assists, and Sophia Buffardi (UNC) also connected with three goals and an assist for a four point game, giving Sayville multiple scoring threats throughout the lineup. Defensively and in transition, Sayville made key plays to maintain control. Olivia Desimone (FSU) contributed a goal while also forcing turnovers. Manhasset was paced by a strong performance from Elim Yang (Princeton), who recorded a team-high six points on three goals and three assists, serving as the primary offensive catalyst. Danielle Perfetto (Brown) added a goal with two assists while Taylor Gordon (BC) and Beatrice Sim each scored twice. Audrey Shen (Columbia) and Autumn Maley contributed goals and were active defensively, combining for several ground balls and caused turnovers to help Manhasset push back in the second half.

Garden City vs Northport

In a Nassau vs Suffolk showdown between the Trojans and the Tigers, Garden City edged Northport in a tightly contested matchup that did not disappoint, holding on for a 9–8 victory after building a 6–4 halftime lead and surviving a strong second-half push from the Tigers.  The Trojans did just enough down the stretch, scoring three times in the second half with the game-winning goal coming in the closing seconds to come away with the victory. Garden City’s offense was paced by a balanced and efficient effort, led by Averie Smith (Yale), who turned in a well-rounded performance with four points on two goals and two assists, consistently creating offense and finishing on the doorstep. Ashley Clark (Harvard) found the back of the net twice and dished out an assist, while Kimberly Colucci (William & Mary) chipped in two goals, with the biggest one coming in the final 12 seconds right in front of the cage despite facing a triple team which proved to be the game winner! Ali Bennett (Holy Cross) contributed on both ends with a goal and a team-high three draw controls, helping Garden City gain extra possessions, while Regan Backer (UVA) and Grace Brantuk (Cornell) each added goals to round out the scoring. Northport was led by a big day from Riley Cash (Ohio State) for a second straight game, who finished with a game-high six points on three goals and three assists each and was active all over the field, adding four ground balls. Kate Atkinson (Vanderbilt) also stepped up for the Tigers with three goals and an assist with two draw controls, while Kaleigh Howard (Old Dominion) and Caitlin Cocks added goals to keep Northport within striking distance. Contributing with two caused turnover each was Cash, Atkinson, and Emma Greenberg (Florida).

St. Anthony’s 2026 vs Westhampton Varsity

The parochial powerhouse of St. Anthony’s and the Suffolk contenders from Westhampton faced off in the final game of the day and it was the Friars holding off a late surge from Westhampton to earn a hard-fought 9–8 victory. After falling behind 3-1 in the early stages the Friars went on a 4-1 scoring run the remainder of the half to take a 5–4 lead into halftime. In the second half they matched Westhampton goal-for-goal to preserve the advantage in a competitive back-and-forth contest. The story offensively for St. Anthony’s was Princeton commit Cameron Pupke, who delivered a dominant performance with seven goals, consistently winning her matchups and converting on key opportunities, including two-for-two from the 8-meter. Anna Christie (Notre Dame) played a pivotal role as a facilitator, finishing with two assists along with a goal and helping keep the offense balanced, while Casey Torre (Stony Brook) added a goal as well. St. Anthony’s also got contributions between the lines from Meadow Szillus (Stony Brook) Sophia Novelli (Vanderbilt) and Blake Pasqualone (Bowdoin) who helped control loose balls and possessions in a physical game. In the second half Sofia Moschitta (Stony Brook) was in goal where she tallied four saves and a save percentage of 50%. Westhampton who held a two goal advantage early, stayed within striking distance all afternoon behind a balanced attack and strong midfield play. Mackenzie Klammer led the charge with two goals while also battling for ground balls leading the team with four. Maiya Boughal (Dartmouth) made her presence felt on draws, controlling four draw controls and adding a goal, while Emma Luzim (Winthrop) and Teagan Dorn dished out two assists to keep the offense flowing. Additional goals from Josephine Derby, Mia Mastropierro, Caeden Dorn (LIU) and Lily Krentzman kept the game tight until the final whistle. The LILJ Winter League resumes on January 3rd opening up the playoffs in the middle school, JV and high school divisions. Click here to tune into the livestream!