The Huntington girls’ lacrosse team honored its seven seniors on Wednesday afternoon following its game against visiting North Babylon, celebrating the careers and contributions of a group of talented teenagers.
Sarah Agrillo, Isabella Annunziata, Megan Bacik, Emma Greenhill, Isabella Piccola, Catie Ricciardelli and Amber Stieve were recognized on Senior Day at Blue Devil Field.
“I absolutely love playing for Huntington,” Greenhill said. “The past five years on the team have made my high school experience one that I won’t forget. I’ve become so close with so many different girls. Playing with them has been amazing! It’s sad to think my Senior Day is already here; it came so fast. But I know our season is not done yet and that we can make it far into the playoffs. What’s great about our team is that we’re friends both on and off the field and we’ve become a family. Coach Gilroy has really instilled the family and love aspect of the team into the players, so we all know were in it together and everyone is so supportive. I couldn’t have asked for a better high school lacrosse career.”
Many of the teenagers have been playing together for years as they moved through the ranks youth programs and onto school teams. They will soon be heading off in different directions to attend college, but will always consider Huntington to be their home.
“Playing for the Huntington girl’s lacrosse team has been more than a privilege,” said Agrillo, who is headed to Duquesne University in Pittsburgh in the fall. “The past four years on varsity I’ve been lucky enough to meet some lifelong friends. I’ve learned so much from some of the best lacrosse players to come through this town. This team has been through it all together.”
Blue Devil head coach Kim Gilroy spoke about each member of the group as the seniors and their teammates and family members listened. Assistant coaches Linda Costello-Roth and Beth Vogelsang stood nearby and presented each of the teenagers with a bouquet of flowers.
“Huntington lacrosse has been a great experience,” said Stieve, who will be attending Old Dominion University in Virginia. “It has showed me how to be a leader and a team player. I have grown so much through the years because of the program and made some great friends that are like family now.”
The seniors and their parents walked to midfield under a canopy of lacrosse sticks held in the air by players standing in parallel lines.
“Playing lacrosse at Huntington has meant a lot to me,” said Ricciardelli, who plans to attend Virginia Tech University. “The sense of unity and family has been amazing. I made so many new friendships that I will have forever. I’m going to miss it a lot.”
Blue and white balloons were tied to the railing across the front row of bleachers. Individual posters filled with photos commemorating the career of each senior were on display.
“Playing for the girl’s lacrosse team wasn't just about the sport for me,” said Annunziata, who is headed to Penn State University. “I was surrounded by my family every single day. I knew no matter what we did, hard or easy, they would always have my back. I wouldn’t trade my teammates for the world.”
While one chapter is closing for the seniors another one is about to open. The seniors were presented with tokens of appreciation after the game at a dinner. There were tears shed as the teenagers and their parents sensed the transition from high school to college is about to begin in earnest
“Playing for the Huntington lax team has meant a lot to me it has been something to work towards and be proud of,” Bacik said. “I have met great people though Huntington lax and from HV Lax who have helped me tremendously. The team has just made an impact in my life and the coaches care a lot and I really appreciate Huntington lacrosse. Some of the greatest people and best friends I have are from Huntington lacrosse. I also have the best laughs and memories from lax. I truly have had the happiest and funniest moments ever from Huntington lacrosse. The Smithtown West game was a great feeling just being neck and neck with one of the better team gives. A feeling of excitement and purpose and hard word that really says games could go either way. It was a big statement going into overtime. The end of that game and bus ride home was so energetic and just a great feeling you can only get from games.”
During the ceremony the seniors hugged each other and later posed for photo after photo. Splashed with the afternoon’s sunlight, the teenagers took delight in the moment until it was time to finally head back inside the school.
“It has been so gratifying for me to play lacrosse with the same girls since seventh grade,” Piccola said. “We have bonded through countless practices, games we played our hearts out in and let’s not forget all the pasta parties we’ve had. This year’s seniors all have the common goal of winning and we are so determined to make playoffs. It has been amazing to be a part of a program that has been such a great support system and a team that always had my back on and off the field.”
Parents said they are going to miss coming to games next year with more than one getting choked up while discussing it. Blue Devil lacrosse has been a big part of their lives, too.
Letting go won’t be easy for the seven seniors who have been together for so long. They grew close to one another through trials and tribulations on and off the field.
The seniors are planning to pursue a wide range of college academic majors tailored to their personal interests and they go about preparing for various careers.
* * *
The Huntington girls’ lacrosse team glided past visiting North Babylon on Senior Day at Blue Devil Field, 19-4.
Isabella Piccola enjoyed her best game of the year, tallying five goals and two assists. Emma Greenhill scored four goals and added a pair of assists. Sarah Agrillo notched three goals and five assists.
Huntington jumped out to a 12-4 first half lead. Sophomore sensation Abby Maichin had two goals and two assists in the game for the Blue Devils. Sophomore Marissa Stafford also scored twice. Bella Annunziata had a goal and two assists. Junior Paige Lennon scored a goal and added an assist. Amber Stieve also scored in the game. Katie Browne had an assist. Megan Bacik stopped four shots in goal.
The victory improved Huntington’s record to 7-4. The Blue Devils play at Ward Melville on Saturday at 3 p.m. and then travel to Brentwood next Wednesday (May 9) for a 4 p.m. game. Huntington hosts Northport on Friday, May 11 at 4:30 p.m. in the final game of the regular season.
