No. 6 Ranked West Islip Lions Team Preview

At number six in the LILJ top 26 preseason rankings are the West Islip Lions of Suffolk Class B. This year they come in after a strong 2025 regular season that saw them win 13 games, but their season came to an end in the county semifinals at the hands of Harborfields. As the program aims to bounce back, they have a strong returning core, offensive firepower, and the opportunity for its underclassmen to continue driving the program forward under long-time head coach Joe Nicolosi.

 After another year of varsity experience in 2025, this group looks poised to go on a run with a lineup that is heavy on returning contributors across all areas of the field. The foundation of the team is a talented Class of 2026, led by All-American midfielder Ava Obloj (Florida), who put together a standout season with 63 points scoring 35 goals with 28 assists and set the tone as a dynamic playmaker. She’s joined by fellow seniors Francesca Tofano (Yale), who added 38 points, and Mia Nicolosi (Adelphi), a scoring threat with 22 goals. Alex Livingston (Towson) and Caitlyn Vail (Rollins) provide depth and versatility in the midfield and at attack, while Sophia Barba and Olivia Franchina (Pace) anchor a defense that continues to mature and will also have some new faces.

West Islip also brings back impactful juniors and sophomores, including Jenna Obloj (Florida), who erupted for 53 points, and Carly Obloj, who contributed 17 points as a young gun. Freshman Sarah Flynn showed early promise, highlighting the program’s developing depth for the future.

The Lions will look to replace a few graduates from the Class of 2025 in defender Courtney Xippolotos and goalie Makenna Gagliardi, who are both playing at the collegiate level. Last year Gagliardi tallied 90 saves and was a steady presence in net. This year it looks to be senior Alyssa Corso (Saint Leo) who will be stepping in as the starting goalie after playing a small sample size last year.

With a high-scoring core returning, a talented group of upperclassmen, and young players continuing to grow into larger roles, West Islip enters 2026 with plenty of optimism. If the Lions can maintain their offensive balance and continue to develop on the defensive end, they’ll be a team that can be playing deep into May and June this spring. The season opener is a non-league matchup against Wantagh on 3/20 before they begin league play against Center Moriches on 3/26.