Nugent, Sullivan and Rubert Lead Huntington JV Lax
If the Huntington High School girls' lacrosse program wins another championship in the next three years it will almost assuredly be with incoming sophomores Katie Nugent, Lindsay Sullivan and Kacie Rubert playing key roles for the Blue Devils.
The three skilled players excelled for Huntington's junior varsity squad this past spring. The Blue Devils compiled a 9-5-1 league mark and went 11-5-1 overall under head coach Jillian Talleur and assistant coach Cat Ruggiero.
Huntington was captained by Nugent and Shannon Smith. The 16-player roster featured an interesting blend of eighth graders, freshmen and sophomores. It was a speedy and talented group that liked to win.
Nugent, who played attack, was a "leader on and off the field," Talleur said. Sullivan, who excelled on defense, was a "worker," the coach said. "She will push and push and never give up." Rubert, a midfielder, was billed as a "natural athlete" by Talluer.
The team's finest accomplishment came when it topped perennially tough Shoreham-Wading River at the end of the season. "We were the underdog, but definitely outplayed them," Talleur said.
The Blue Devils have many strong athletes in the pipeline, although the coaches wouldn't put the "star" label on anyone. Talluer said her team had "no real standout players. All are at a similar athletic level and [are] hard workers. They work really well together and have very good chemistry."
It's difficult to predict how next year will shake out until it becomes clear which players will be elevated to varsity. Nevertheless, Huntington will continue its pursuit of excellence. "The returning girls will have an increased skill level and will aim to beat the top teams," Talleur said.