No. 4 Ranked Sayville Golden Flashes Team Preview

Landing at number four in the LILJ top 26 preseason rankings are the Sayville Golden Flashes of Suffolk Class C. They head into the 2026 season with a championship caliber team that has experience across the field, and a roster shaped by both success and adversity from a year ago after a trip to the county championship game. Under longtime varsity coach Gary Jensen, who returned to the program in 2024 after an earlier stint from 1999–2011, the Golden Flashes are focused on growth, maturity, and staying centered on their own identity.

A large portion of Sayville’s production returns, led by an outstanding midfield group from the Class of 2026. All-American Sophia Buffardi (UNC) is the centerpiece, coming off a dominant 2025 campaign in which she controlled the draw circle and finished with 58 points, scoring 40 goals with 18 assists. Her ability to impact every phase of the game sets the tone for the entire lineup. Alongside her, Morgan Farrell (Hopkins) provided balance and toughness, posting 46 points, while excelling on both ends of the field. Adding to the core is another major two-way contributor in Olivia DeSimone (FSU). DeSimone was a force on both ends of the field, tallying 49 points with 17 goals and 32 assists while leading the team in ground balls and caused turnovers, along with Rutgers commit Carly Cangelosi who contributed 31 points.

The array of talent continues at attack with junior Dylan McNamara (FSU) who was one of the team’s most productive scorers and clutch players last season with 52 points, and she’ll again be a focal point in the offense. She’ll be joined by Jenna Messina (Coastal Carolina), Olivia Razzano (UMass), and Julianna Montalto (Arizona St.).

Defensively Paige Manning (Quinnipiac) Sophia Vario (Stetson), and Tessa Meehan are all players that will be key to the defensive unit in 2026 with their versatility and athleticism, while Julia Lilienthal (Vanderbilt) anchors the back line in goal after recording 113 saves in 2025.

Sayville does graduate key contributors from the Class of 2025, most notably Sofia Cangelosi and Lucy Livingston, both of whom brought experience and leadership to the team, but the returning core gives the Golden Flashes confidence moving forward.

Coach Jensen says what excites him most about this group is their mindset. Having experienced both highs and lows, this team understands what it takes to compete and is eager to apply those lessons. The key to a successful 2026, he notes, is simple: focus on themselves—their preparation, their effort, and their identity.

This winter Sayville was in the LILJ winter league in preparation for the season where they went 3-2-1 in six games against some of the elite teams on the island. With a dominant draw specialist, proven scoring threats across multiple classes, and a veteran goalie leading the defense, Sayville enters the season with the tools to be great every time it steps on the field. If the Golden Flashes stay disciplined and committed to their team-first approach, they have the potential to turn experience into great results this spring. They will begin the season with their first league matchup on 3/26 against Comsewogue.