The game was tied at 8-8. Lynbrook was battling Plainedge, the top team in Conference II, and headed to overtime with the title of champions on the line. With 30 seconds left in the first overtime period, junior Sophie Deifel scored the game winner, locking in Lynbrook’s spot as Conference Champions. This was a truly perfect way to end the regular schedule, also locking in their spot as the No. 5 seed in the Class C playoffs. Lynbrook girls’ varsity lacrosse (LVL) ended its season with much to be proud of, most prominently given that after eight tireless years, they finally achieved their goal of making it back to Adelphi University.
Senior Gabby Meszaros started Lynbrook off strong with the first draw control and goal. Her final season with the team had been cut short due to a devastating ACL tear, but she continued to be one of the top leaders by serving as a defensive coach and motivating the team. Meszaros is the team’s primary advocate for enjoying every moment. She explained, “High school sports are something special, and they can be over in the blink of an eye. You never know when your last game might be, so give it everything you have, and cherish every moment like it’s your last.”
The team played with this intensity against Plainedge— a team with seven consecutive wins that seemed unbeatable— but after Lynbrook’s loss to Mepham five days prior, a team Plainedge had beaten, they hit the field hard. The game was back and forth, with tensions high through every second and time out. By the half, it was tied 4-4, then tied in the third quarter at 7-7, and still somehow tied in the fourth quarter 8-8. But the team worked hard and managed a goal through a stop in the defensive end all the way to a fast break for the attack to finish.
The 2025 season was a strong one for the women’s LVL program. The seniors – Brooke Mazzei (committed to Temple University), Gabriella Meszaros (committed to Quinnipiac University), Luciana Miata (committed to Dominican University), Olivia Palleschi (committed to Vassar College), and Penelope Yaker (committed to Stonehill College) – successfully led the team, and the team stood at a 9-2 record in Conference and 12-5 record overall. Mazzei, Miata, Palleschi, and Yaker will be continuing their journey to play at the next level throughout all three collegiate divisions.
Throughout their time with LVL, the seniors shared many memories, but what they all seem to mention is the connection among the players. Meszaros explained, “No matter who’s on the roster, LVL becomes a family year after year. I’ve built friendships through this team that I know will last a lifetime.” Palleschi agreed, saying, “We always talk about being a family, but this year we really proved it. We all got so much closer to each other, which helps so much on the field. Getting to Adelphi was the biggest accomplishment, and we all worked for it. I couldn’t have asked for a better senior season.” Mazzei reflected on her journey through LVL, having played with girls four years older and six years younger. Mazzei reminisced, “I’m so lucky I had so many amazing players to look up to when I was younger, and I hope I’ve inspired and helped the younger girls now that I am a senior.”
Leaving their legacy behind, the seniors parted with wisdom, recommending younger players to work hard, have fun, and take no time for granted. Miata advised, “No matter how much adversity you may experience on the field, it will make you a stronger person. Stand up for yourself and keep working.” These seniors have served as role models to the younger generations through their hard work and dedication to this program. Yaker commented, “I advise you to cherish and enjoy every single moment you have on this team. Every laugh, every cry, every celebration, every beat down, I advise you to not take any of it for granted.”
