While coach Joe LaBarbera works on constructing an offense for Lynbrook’s girls team, its defense could provide an enviable foundation for a budding roster. The Owls will not lose any prominent members from last year’s defensive unit, a minor miracle and major advantage.
“I think our defense is the anchor of our team this year,” LaBarbera said. “We have all of our defenders returning from last year, which is huge.”
Junior goaltender Delia Fitzpatrick, who is already committed to play for the University of Rhode Island, will lead a defensive unit that also includes senior standouts Payton Stalter and Addison DiFiore.
LaBarbera has previously said the two defenders and soccer teammates work extremely well together, and that bond has only strengthened over time. Junior Lily DiMaio will also play a key defensive role while the coach looks to fill the fourth spot.
Lynbrook’s attack might have some new faces in the crowd, but senior Sophie Deifel is ensuring that it’s in good hands. One of the top scorers last year, the midfielder is expected to hold sway over the entire field as she takes command for the Owls.
“At the end of the last season, we actually were like, ‘this is your team,’” LaBarbera said. “‘You've been a freshman, you've been a sophomore, you've been a junior, and you've always had those older kids above you in the spotlight. Now it's your team and you need to be the leader.’”
In the midfield, Deifel will primarily be joined by junior Kelsey Ambrosio and eighth-grader Charlie Coco, who LaBarbera described as a future star. Senior Natalie Kehoe will be joined by improving sophomores Gia Miata and Arianna Lanzello on the attack.
With a 12-5 record last year, Lynbrook managed to squeak into the playoffs before getting flattened by South Side in the first round. Despite the anticlimactic ending, LaBarbera said the girls came away with a lot of momentum, which could lead to far more than a taste for the postseason this time around.
To read more about Lynbrook Owls' 2026 boys lacrosse team, click here. To see more of the Herald’s 2026 Lacrosse Preview, click here.
