(Video Produced by Willow Pagan)
By: Avery Gentile
The Girls of the Comsewogue Varsity field hockey team had a great season. The drive to make it all the way to the playoffs was difficult, but nothing they couldn't handle. The Girls won their first 5 games in a row. The effort and drive the girls had this fall season was unimaginable. Comsewogue field hockey has taken a huge turn in its performance this Fall season. With two practices a day, for 2-3 hours, the team was dedicated to making it to the playoffs.
With Two-year Sophomore Evangeline “Evie” Arnone leading the team with her unbeatable passes and shots. The team as a whole has improved many of its skills, including its passing as well.
“The way we were able to get the ball up the field is a huge improvement,” said Evangeline Arnone. The impact and drive that the team has is unimaginable. The team is overall very well bonded with teamwork. Everyone on the team is friends outside of the sport and school. One of the key things for any team is bonding. Having a strong bond with the team can create invisible strings on and off the field. Comsewogue uses this advantage tactically, and it shows in their performance.
Therefore, Sophia Catanzaro, a 3-year Senior Caption. Has been playing field hockey for the past 6 years. Her dedication to the team and her Leadership are monumental to the team. The whole team couldn't have made the Playoffs without her.
Sophia says, “I feel so excited, I’m so proud of us.” Since Comsewogue field hockey hasn't been in the playoffs in the past 8 years, this was a huge change for them. The team had to step up and show out every game with effort to the max.
Leading us to the field hockey was Assistant Coach, Nocera. Nocera never fails to make the team feel empowered. With a few losses to our team, like the 3 Injuries we acquired during the season. Nocera would keep a warm and positive energy for the girls.
“Even losing a few key players, we still have a solid lineup and solid subs.” Said Coach Nocera. The team pushed through the conflicts the whole season and continued their strive to the Playoffs and beyond.
Overall, Comsewogue Field Hockey had an outstanding season with unforgettable memories. The strive and consistent communication, ball movement, and bond make the team more than exceptional. The team thrived, and the Senior girls will go off being amazing in the next chapter. Wishing luck to all the younger players as they keep their love for the sport, and continue their pursuit of being great.
(Video produced by Jackson Mollick )
(All photos property of Comsewogue HIgh School)
From Setbacks to Set Wins
By David Farmer
Last season, the Comsewogue Girls Varsity Volleyball team walked off the court with more lessons than wins. But this year, they came back with something stronger: belief. After finishing last season with a record of 1-13, the Spartans bounced back. The girls fought their way to a much-improved 7-8 record and just barely missed the playoffs.
Fueled by last year's frustrations, the girls committed to rebuilding their team and sharpening their skills.
“I think we went into this season very optimistic”, said senior captain Hannah Montoya, “we went into every game knowing that we had a chance. That resulted in some big wins.”
Over the course of their season, the team had multiple big game wins, two of those coming in the fifth set, against West Islip and Eastport-South Manor. It was clear from the first practice of the season that the girls' optimism would be beneficial in the long run.
This season began with a spark of new energy, thanks to first-year assistant varsity coach and head junior varsity coach, Coach Schwartz. Coming from a volleyball background himself, Coach Schwartz was extremely excited to start his coaching career.
“It’s been really great seeing how far the girls have come from when they started at the beginning of the season,” said Schwartz. Every set won reminded them of how far they've come. Instead of collapsing under pressure, they fought back one point at a time. “Fans have been coming up to me saying this is the best they’ve seen the team in a long time,” said Coach Schwartz, taking credit where it is due. The team's much-anticipated success led back to one thing: chemistry.
This tight-knit group of girls spent most of their time playing on the varsity level since their freshman year. Junior outside hitter Sheila Nuñez has been on varsity for three years now and has played a huge role in many of the team's wins, leading the team with multiple double-digit kill games.
“Something most people don’t realize about volleyball is how much of a team sport it is,” said Nuñez. Sheila expressed her high hopes for next season and hopes to keep the momentum going into next year.
With lots of young and returning talent in the program, like sophomores Christina Watson, Sophia Lagadinos, and Kiki Napolitano, the girls are hoping to have another shot at the playoffs during the 2026 season. From a season of setbacks to a season of strength, the team proved that losing doesn’t define you. It’s all about how you bounce back.
With a roster filled with freshmen and sophomores, the Comsewogue Girls Varsity Soccer team is proving that age means nothing. With all of the energy and skills from the younger players and the guidance and intelligence from the upperclassmen, “they will become unstoppable. After making the playoffs for the first time in years," it was a glimpse of the program’s future.
This season, Comsewogue has had to face multiple challenges. They lost a lot of upperclassmen the past year, but rebuilt the team with younger players to make the team stronger.
“This year's unique, we are younger than we have been in the past few years,” said head coach Justin Seifert. ‘’This year is very exciting but also difficult because we have many girls playing in positions they don't normally play. The team was in a difficult league this year, but the team is handling and adapting to it really well”, Coach Seifert added.
With all of the young players on the field, the team leans and looks up to the upperclassmen. Senior captain Madison Maher has taken on a huge leadership role, keeping communication strong and the team connected throughout the season.
“Having a leadership role means a lot, showing up to practice on time and leading by example,” Madison Maher said. “Our chemistry sets our team apart from others. I have been playing with them a lot for a long time, and that definitely helps us build our chemistry and game play”.
Madison has helped her team get through all of the good and the tough moments by leading by example and keeping her head high.
The underclassmen held a huge role in the team's success and have become a reliable source in winning the tough games, and with the help of the upperclassmen, came the perfect combination of winning games.
“All of the upperclassmen were always so supportive and helped me improve as a player on and off the field," said sophomore Danielle Barairo. “Playing with these girls at a young age only helped improve the team's overall performance.”
Comsewogue’s mix of young talent and veteran leadership had laid the foundation for a strong future. The underclassmen’s contributions suggest that this year’s success is just the beginning of a multi-year rise.
(Video Produced by Cameron Dicecco)
(All Photos property of Comsewogue High School)
(Video Produced by Dominic Mascolo)
(Both photos property of Comsewogue HS)
Everlasting Impact of Cheerleading
By Wali Faisal
The cheerleading team of Comsewogue High School proves that coach Donlon makes a lasting impact on her athletes during cheerleading, showing how excellent she does her job.
She expresses how much work she and her athletes put in and how they benefit from it altogether.
“I think it’s a great workout for their body. I think it’s a great way socially to make friends and become a team and bond with each other, and share such a special time," says Ms. Donlon. "The girls practice five days a week for at least two hours, that's already 10 hours a week. But they’re still young adults, they’re going through this while having school. So I think it’s important for them to have that time management while still doing the sport."
It can be a true struggle coming to practice, but Coach Donlon’s athletes prosper no matter what. They encourage themselves by showing their passion and being consistent every day.
“Last year was definitely the hardest year. We got a new coach. We were all getting used to how she coached and what was going on in that year. But we kept going, and now we’re having a lot better of a year, “ Senior captain Abby Monohan says
Overall, cheerleading is a sport that doesn't just train you physically but also mentally and has you ready for life outside.
“Cheerleading has definitely brought out a more positive and more outgoing side because you do have to be loud and you do have to be ready to interact with everyone and be friends with everyone, “ backspot cheer Trinity Holcomb says.
Ms Donlon also remarks that not only is cheerleading just a discipline for athletes, but “no matter what the outcome is, have fun with it.”