Islip girls soccer (8-3-1) in contention

Behind two of Suffolk County’s leading scorers and consistency in the defensive zone, Islip once again figures to contend for the Class A girls soccer title a year after earning the tournament’s top seed.

Coach Mike Reilly’s side saw its four-game winning streak snapped on Oct. 7 at Bayport-Blue Point, falling 2-0 in another spirited battle between two of the premier programs in Division 3.

“It’s always a tough game,” Reilly said. “Today was our fifth game in eight days and I think the schedule caught up with us a little bit, but we’ve been playing well.”

The teams split a pair of 1-0 decisions in 2025. The Buccaneers won the regular-season meeting on Oct. 18 on a header by then-senior and leading scorer Abbie Diemegard and seven saves from then-senior Rylee Moran. But the Phantoms returned the favor when it mattered most, winning a thrilling playoff matchup 12 days later in double overtime on then-senior Connor Leahy’s goal off an assist from then-sophomore Kiera McCormack.

McCormack had Bayport’s second goal on Oct. 7 after Olivia Brady converted a pass from Kiera’s sister, Mia, with 37 seconds left in the first half to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.

Senior Alex Kaler, one of Bayport’s returning stars, made 10 saves in that semifinal win that sent the team to its first county final since 2011. Kaler made five saves in this year’s showdown, while her counterpart, Islip sophomore Tilly Ancipink, made 15.

“Tilly has really stepped up and filled a void,” Reilly said. “It’s her first year playing soccer for the school.”

Islip is now 8-3-1; Bayport is 8-4-1 after winning for the first time in five games.

The Buccaneers hadn’t lost since a 2-1 setback at Miller Place on Oct. 23. They boast two of Suffolk’s top scorers in senior Daniella Capolongo (14 goals) and junior Shea LaGiglia (seven goals, nine assists.) Last fall, Capolongo had a goal and four assists, while LaGiglia, a standout sweeper, was one of Islip’s biggest threats with 11 goals and five assists.

“Dani has really come into her own,” Reilly said of Capolongo. “Shea is our lockdown defender and also an offensive threat,” he added. “She does it all. She’s a next-level type of athlete.”

Islip also has junior Ava Paiz and freshman Elisabeth Volk leading the backline, and junior Alyssa Williams and sophomore Erica Carino starring at midfield. Williams was a goalie at the JV level and became a varsity field player a year ago. Carino is already a third-year varsity player. “Alyssa’s our workhorse and Erica is a fantastic playmaker,” Reilly said.

The Buccaneers allowed only one goal during their recent hot streak and blanked East Hampton, Port Jefferson and Center Moriches. In a 3-1 victory over Kings Park on Oct. 2, Capolongo had a hat trick for all the offense with Williams assisting on two and LaGiglia the other.

Both Islip and Bayport will have their work cut out with Harborfields establishing itself as the favorite in Suffolk Class A. Harborfields defeated the Phantoms, 6-0, on Oct. 5, and will face the Buccaneers on the Oct. 19.

“There’s a legit nine solid teams,” Reilly said.