Thursday, October 1, 2026
Coming off a breakout, title-winning turn in Nassau Conference 4 two seasons ago, the Seahawks girls’ lacrosse team earned the compulsory bump up to Conference 3 last season.
The difference in competition level showed, with Carey reverting to the record it posted in each of the two seasons prior to its turnaround – 2-11 overall, 1-10 in conference.
Fourth-year coach Paul Luzzi, whose team returns to Nassau Conference 3, said Carey could be well-positioned for a re-do, returning some nine starters, including All-Conference senior attackman Kate McGrath – whose 15 assists ranked second on the Seahawks – as well as Lila Klupt (freshman) and fellow midfielder Sophia Barrera (senior).
“I think the girls have a better idea what to expect now, and what the level of play will be like,” Luzzi said. “We have lots of returners and lots of depth. We have more players who can get in the mix offensively, and our younger girls look confident.”
Klupt, who notched seven goals last spring in as many games as an eighth-grader, leads a contingent of Carey underclassmen tapped to contribute this season, said Luzzi, who pointed to midfielders Olivia Wilde (freshman), Kara Tierney (sophomore), and Sophia Faraone (eighth grade) as Seahawks youngsters poised to make an impact.
“Bringing up the younger girls last year, it was nice that they got that experience,” Luzzi said. “I think, overall, we’re just more balanced than last year, and more prepared.”
Junior Olivia Vogt returns alongside senior Emma Montemarano – a converted middie – joining McGrath on attack, while seniors Maria Andrikopoulos, Maya Velez, and Adriana Cinelli are back as first-string Seahawks defenders.
Looking to “diversify” offensively, Luzzi said Vogt will serve as Carey’s chief distributor, having forged a “nice connection” with McGrath, in particular.
“Olivia (Vogt) and Kate work well together,” Luzzi said. “Which is nice. We think Kate could score a ton of goals this season.”
A competition at goalie has seen Seahawks seniors Megan Heineman and Madison Gonzalez emerge as favorites.
“Last year was an adjustment,” Luzzi said. “This year, with the players we’ve got, I think we’ll definitely improve.”
To read more about Carey Seahawks' 2026 boys lacrosse team, click here. To see more of the Herald’s 2026 Lacrosse Preview, click here.
