Marshak and Gust finished 10th and 11th respectively in last year’s tournament. Marshak, only an eighth-grader last year, finished one stroke away from qualifying for states, and Gust was only one stroke behind her. This year’s state qualifier tournament will take place May 19 and 20 at Middle Island Country Club.

“They’ve been pushing each other all year long,” Riverhead golf head coach Steve Failla said. “I think that the best way to improve is to challenge one another. And I believe we have two of some of the best golfers in the county on our team.”

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(Credit: Bill Landon) (Credit: Bill Landon) (Credit: Bill Landon) (Credit: Bill Landon) (Credit: Bill Landon) (Credit: Bill Landon)

Marshak earned the No. 1 spot in the lineup before the school season started. The freshman has been the pillar of consistency all season long, averaging a 42 per 9 holes of play. She’s scored 40 multiple times this year. 

“My score has come down a lot since last year,” Marshak said. “I’m happy with the way I’m playing so far. Barely missing out last season has been on my mind all year. So I’ve been trying to improve all parts of my game throughout the year.”

After carding a 183 through two days last year, Marshak is confident she can put together a better score this time around.

“I’m more experienced now and know what to expect,” Marshak said. “This is my third year on varsity now, so I’m just feeling more comfortable than ever before.”

“She had big shoes to fill, taking Alex Hoverkamp’s place in the lineup after she graduated,” Failla said. “But to her credit, she hasn’t skipped a beat. She’s been competing, and I’m so proud of her progression this season.”

Riverhead has played to a 7–3 record in the league so far and will also compete as a team in the Suffolk County championships. Part of that success has been due to Gust’s leadership in the No. 2 spot in the lineup.

Two years ago, Gust finished 12th in the county tournament. Last year she finished 11th, and it’s only right that in her senior season she finally qualifies for states. Though she’s averaged 46 through 9 holes this season, Gust set her personal best with a 39 in a match this season. She has that ability to shoot with the best of them on any given day.

“The biggest thing for me has been my consistency,” Gust said. “I’ve been working hard to improve my game and try to cut strokes wherever I can and limit my mistakes. I am looking forward to the county championships. I’ve been so close.”

Colby Baran has already qualified on the boys side of the state tournament this summer during fall 2024. With a stroke of luck, he’ll be joined with two girls chasing history.

“We have two very accomplished girls looking to etch their names in the history books here at Riverhead,” Failla said. “I’ve been blessed to have been able to coach them this year. Really couldn’t have had a better group of girls, and I’m truly rooting for them.”

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April 28: Riverhead 9, Patchogue-Medford 5

All season long, Patchogue-Medford was the top dog in the division, sporting an undefeated 11–0 record. That was, until they came to visit Riverhead. Mya Marelli pitched five innings and struck out 10 in the 9-5 victory. Bella D’Andrea hit 2-for-4 with a double, triple and four RBIs. Jordyn Kwasna went 2-for-3 with two runs and two RBIs. Patchogue-Medford went on to lose their next game against Half Hollow Hills, so Riverhead (9–2) is now tied for first place and in control of their own destiny for another league title. Riverhead will travel to Half Hollow Hills Thursday, May 1, for a 4 p.m. first pitch. 

Boys Lacrosse

April 29: Smithtown West 8, Shoreham-Wading River 3

Shoreham-Wading River is going through a rough stretch in the middle of the season. The most recent loss against Smithtown West now marks three losses in a row for the Wildcats — uncharted territory for a lacrosse program that routinely makes the playoffs and competes for championships. In the loss against Smithtown West, Andrew Cimino, Tyler Nowaski and Noah Gregorek each scored a goal. Angelina Price made 12 saves. SWR will try to turn things around Thursday, May 1, when they travel to Mattituck for a noon start. 

April 24: Riverhead 19, Copiague 1

After two straight losses, Riverhead broke out with a season-high of 19 goals against Copiague to bring their Division I record to 3–5. The Blue Waves had 11 different goal scorers in the blowout victory. Jaxson Binkis led the team in goals scored with three. Ruairi McElhinney had six points with one goal and five assists. Logan Dempsey scored twice and assisted on two others. Nine goals were scored in the first quarter. Riverhead will travel to Northport Friday, May 2, at 4 p.m.

Girls Lacrosse 

April 29: Smithtown East 13, Riverhead 12

In a back-and-forth battle against Smithtown East, Riverhead came up short in the final quarter of the game. After a 0–0 first period, both teams scored seven goals in the second. The third quarter featured no goals as well, before Smithtown East was able to score six times versus just five for Riverhead. This now marks two consecutive losses by only one goal for the Blue Waves. Logan Pilon scored five goals and Evelyn Skop scored four times. Riverhead (4–6) will travel to Middle Country Friday, May 1, for a 4 p.m. game start. 

April 28: Shoreham-Wading River 17, Bronxville 10

In a non-league contest, Shoreham-Wading River came out on top with goals scored in every quarter of play. The Wildcats scored as many as five goals in two of the quarters. Reese Marcario and Maddy Herr led the team with six points apiece. Herr scored five goals and tallied one assist. Marcario scored twice and assisted on four goals. Grayce Kitchen scored four goals in the high-scoring affair. Though their overall record sits at 6–3, SWR has struggled in the league with a record of 1–3. SWR will travel to Mt. Sinai Friday, May 2, for a 5 p.m. start. 

Girls Golf

April 29: Riverhead 6, Mt. Sinai 3

Riverhead continued its winning ways with a victory over Mt. Sinai on Tuesday. The win improved their league record to 6–2 — only losing matches this season against Sachem and Southampton. Madison Marshak led all golfers with a 45 through nine holes, with the winds whipping through Long Island making for less than desirable playing conditions.

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BASEBALL

April 15: Riverhead 12, Brentwood 0

Have a day, Matthew Zambriski! The sophomore phenom hurled five innings of shutout ball and struck out 12 en route to the victory over Brentwood. He also went 4-for-4 at the plate with two doubles, a triple and four RBIs. Drew Legrady went 2-for-4. It’s a big win for Riverhead (3-4) as it’s just one win away from tying their win total from last year with 13 games left to play. The Blue Waves will be in action again Tuesday, April 22, for a 4 p.m. first pitch at Westhampton.

BOYS LACROSSE

April 11: Shoreham-Wading River 14, Port Jefferson 5

The Wildcats have now won two in a row following their opening two losses. They got ahead 8-1 by halftime and never let off the gas pedal against Port Jefferson.

Noah Gregorek led the team in goals scored with five — marking a career-high. He also had four assists. Lucas Diamond wasn’t too far behind with four goals.

Andrew Cimino had a massive day as well, scoring three times and collecting six assists. Shoreham-Wading River (2-2) will host Hauppauge Monday, April 21, at 4 p.m.

April 10: Riverhead 9, North Babylon 2

Riverhead (3-4) came out of the gates storming against North Babylon, scoring six goals in the first quarter alone.

Nathan Nentwich led the team in points with two goals and three assists. Logan Dempsey scored three times. Ruairi McElhinney scored twice and assisted on two others. The Blue Waves need to string together some wins to get themselves back in the playoffs after last year’s historic run. Riverhead will host Commack Tuesday, April 22, at 5:15 p.m.

GIRLS LACROSSE

April 15: Riverhead 16, Lindenhurst 4

Riverhead’s girls lacrosse team is on fire! In what looks to be their best start in many years, the Blue Waves put a hurting on Lindenhurst in their latest victory that pushed their record to 4-2. It’s now three wins in a row for Riverhead. Logan Pilon and Sadie Shultz both registered five points in the win. Pilon collected three goals and two assists. Shultz led the team in goals scored with four and registered one assist. Molly Stevens completed a hat-trick as well with three goals. Pilon is now tied for fifth in Suffolk County with 23 goals. Riverhead will travel to Sachem North Thursday, April 17, for a 4 p.m. game to continue its hot streak.

April 14: Shoreham-Wading River 17, West Babylon 7

After losing their first game of the season against Westhampton, Shoreham-Wading River (4-1) got back to their winning ways with a blowout win over West Babylon. Eight different players found the back of the net in the commanding victory. Reese Marcario led the team in points with three goals and three assists. Grayce Kitchen and Kady Keegan each scored four times. Maddy Herr scored twice and assisted on two goals. The Wildcats continue their charge to the top of the division. They’ll host Harborfields Tuesday, April 22, at 5 p.m.

SOFTBALL

April 15: Patchogue-Medford 6, Riverhead 5

There’s been some chinks in the armor early on the Riverhead (5-3) as they’ve found themselves in the losing column multiple times this season. With Mya Marelli still not at full health, Riverhead has been trying to piece together a pitching staff in her absence. Riverhead had the lead against undefeated Pat-Med, 5-2, after home runs by Marelli and Jordyn Kwasna — but they couldn’t keep the Raiders off the board and eventually came up short in the end.

Riverhead will look to get back on track Monday, April 21, at Central Islip for a 4:30 p.m. game start.

GIRLS GOLF

April 10: Riverhead 7, Shoreham-Wading River 2

Riverhead dominated the matchup against Shoreham-Wading River with ninth-grader Madison Marshak leading the way with a 41 through nine holes.

Consistent play at the top three in the lineup has paced the Blue Waves to a 3-1 record in the league. The match they lost was by one single stroke. Angelina Gust carded a 51 and Annabelle Dunn finished with a 57 to snag wins in the top three slots. Taylor Dietz led the way for Shoreham-Wading River with a score of 54. Riverhead will travel to Rocky Point Tuesday, April 22, for a 4 p.m. tee time.

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MARCH 29: RIVERHEAD 10, HAUPPAGUE 8

In a non-league contest, Riverhead won its first game of the season, proving they still have talent on the roster after graduating key players from last year’s playoff run. Riverhead (1-1) trailed 4-3 at halftime before taking a lead in the second half and holding the Eagles off the rest of the way. Jaxon Binkis had a career night, scoring four goals and an assist. Logan Dempsey and Connor Downs each scored two goals for the Blue Waves. The Blue Waves travel to Half Hollow Hills on April 5 for a 2:00pm game.

MARCH 25: MANHASSET 17, SHOREHAM- WADING RIVER 7

In their first true test of the season after losing a full starting lineup of starters, the Wildcats fell in a nonleague contest against Manhasset. Behind a strong second and third quarter, scoring 12 of their 17 goals, Manhasset looked to already be in midseason form. Shoreham-Wading River (0-1) scored six goals in the second half. SWR’s Noah Gregorek did most of the damage, leading the team with four goals. SWR travels to Miller Place on April 7 for a 4:30 p.m. game.

GIRLS LACROSSE

MARCH 29: SHOREHAM-WADING RIVER 10, MASSAPEQUA 8

In their first game of the season against a tough non-league opponent in Massapequa, the Wildcats battled to the final whistle. They took a two-goal lead into halftime and traded goals for the rest of the game to earn the victory. Massapequa tied the game in the third quarter before Shoreham-Wading River (1-0) scored two in the fourth to put it away. Reese Marcario led the Wildcats with three goals. Charlotte Erb and Maddy Herr both added two goals. The Wildcats host Center Moriches April 8 at 5pm.

MARCH 28: RIVERHEAD 17, HAMPTON BAYS 6

Riverhead put on a show in their first game out on the turf at Pulaski Street Sports Complex. Led by seniors Logan Pilon and Sadie Schultz, this group of girls is destined to have a big year. Against Hampton Bays, Riverhead (1-0) put up 10 goals in the first half to put the game away early. Pilon scored a game-high four goals. Both Schultz and Evelyn Skop scored three goals and registered two assists. The Blue Waves host Half Hollow Hills on April 4 at 4 p.m.

SOFTBALL

MARCH 31: RIVERHEAD 19, CENTRAL ISLIP 6

A year removed from going undefeated in the league, Riverhead (2-0) is off to a hot start again. They’ve scored 39 runs in their first two games of the season – they mean business. Against Central Islip, Mya Marelli hit 3-for-3 with three RBIs. Sophia Viola also had a perfect night at the plate, hitting 4-for-4. Riverhead also got their first homerun on the board for the season when Jordyn Kwasna ripped one over the centerfield wall. Riverhead travels to Longwood April 3 at for a 4 p.m. game.

BASEBALL

APRIL 1: RIVERHEAD 7, PATCHOGUE-MEDFORD 6

After a 4-16 record last year, Riverhead came out of the gates with a very encouraging performance against Patchogue-Medford. The game needed extra innings after Camden Wallace hit an RBI single and Ray Coty drew a bases-loaded walk to give Riverhead (1-0) some breathing room in the bottom of the eighth inning. Wallace pitched in relief and closed out the game for the Blue Waves. Matthew Zambriski started the game and hurled 4 innings, striking out seven. Riverhead’s Brady Hubbard and Jason Davis both had big days at the plate, hitting 3-for-4. Riverhead will host Patchogue-Medford in game two of the series April 3 at 4 p.m.

GIRLS GOLF

APRIL 1: RIVERHEAD 9, LONGWOOD 0

Despite the cold weather, the Riverhead girls golf team dominated up and down their lineup with a clean 9-0 victory over Longwood. Madison Marshak led all golfers with a 41 in 9 holes. Angelina Gust finished second with a score of 43. Annabelle Dunn posted a personal best 56 in the victory. Riverhead will play Longwood again on April 3, this time at their home course, Cherry Creek Golf Links.

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“I asked everyone before this season started,” head coach Steve Failla said. “Are we going to rebuild or are we simply going to reload and showcase the program we’ve been building here for years? To their credit, they answered the call.”

Only one player returned from last year’s starting six, Colby Baran, who just happened to be one of the best golfers in Suffolk County as a sophomore last year. The rest of the lineup is brand new, choosing golfers from the JV team last year, who also went undefeated. With Monday’s 8-0 victory over Greenport/Southold, Riverhead is now 9-0 on the season and haven’t lost a league match since 2021. 

Baran led the way, as he has all season, with a personal record 33, which was three shots under par at Cherry Links in Riverhead on Monday. It was the second time he reached that low during the season. He has averaged a score of 36.5 for nine holes of play during his junior campaign. 

“I still feel like I have ways to cut my score down even lower,” Baran said. “I’m super happy with how I have been playing but I definitely left some shots out there.”

After going undefeated last year, the Blue Waves cruised through the conference championship and earned the No. 1 seed in the Suffolk County tournament. It wasn’t until they met Ward Melville in the semi-finals that they finally got a loss on their resume and that was simply because of team stroke play. The Patriots earned three medal points because they as a team had less strokes than the Blue Waves even though the rest of the head to heads were split right down the middle.

“Golf is the only sport that doesn’t separate into classes,” Failla said last year. “Other sports get four divisions and six classes. Golf has one champion and that’s why it’s the hardest sport to win it all.”

Riverhead has made it to the final four twice in its history, once in 2019 and the second time last year. They’re looking to get right back in the mix this season. The conference championships are scheduled for Oct. 16, which will determine the seeds for the Suffolk County tournament. Then the playoffs begin on Oct 24.

Riverhead has trotted out Baran, Cam Wallace, Logan Dempsey, Mason Sidik, Max Gajowski and Brady Hubbard as their starting six for most of the season. Any of them are capable of putting together a strong round and earning the team a point. Wallace, the team’s No. 2 golfer, has averaged a score of 40 during the season.

“Our lineups have looked very similar the last three years because they all came up to varsity as sophomores,” Failla said. “This year was a big change. This was going to be a big test of the program. It’s going to be hard to replicate the success we’ve had the last few years because these guys are brand new to the varsity team but they haven’t missed a beat.”

A lot of that has to do with Baran’s ability to lead. The players feed off of him and try to improve their game alongside him. They see how hard he works and golf is a game that requires constant repetition.

“In the years past Baran was always the best golfer but he was the youngest on the team,” Failla said. “The seniors pushed him last year but this year he’s taken on more of a leadership role. He’s the veteran out there. And nobody works harder than Colby, he lives golf.”

Baran was the second player to make it to the individual New York State championships in Riverhead’s history. He’s looking to take it a step further this year.

“I think we have all the tools to be successful as a team this year,” Baran said. “My first goal this year is to win Riverhead’s first team championship. That’s our goal right now. The individual stuff is great but we’re a team first and hopefully a few shots fall our way this year.”

As a team, Riverhead went down to Spring Lake Golf Club in Middle Island this weekend to get a feel for the course they’ll be playing in the championships. 

“That’s all them,” Failla said. “I didn’t tell them to do that. But they know these are the steps that you need to do. You need to constantly get ahead and play as much as you can. Familiarizing yourself with the championship golf course is only going to help when it’s time to shine.”

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April 19: Riverhead 6, Central Islip 5

April 22: Shoreham-Wading River 7, Center Moriches 1

Boys Lacrosse 

April 22: Shoreham-Wading River 12, Harborfields 6

April 18: Riverhead 9, South Fork 8

Girls Golf

April 17: Riverhead 9, Rocky Point 0

Boys Tennis

April 18: Shoreham-Wading River 6, William Floyd 1

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Luke Richard and Colin Lynch will each receive a full housing and tuition scholarship from the Western Golf Association’s Evans Scholars Foundation in partnership with the Long Island Caddies Scholarship Fund.

“It’s life changing for these kids — a full 100% scholarship to school — and it’s pretty amazing,” said Adam McDaid, the pro at the Friar’s Head.

Richard and Lynch were working out together at a gym on Main Street in February when they each got word of their scholarships.

“When we found out together, it was really an unbelievable feeling,” Richard said. “It was a massive burden lifted off both of our shoulders. College nowadays can set you back in a lot of debt, and scholarships are there to help with the burden of that debt. And the scholarship me and Colin received is a life-changing one, because it will eventually, hopefully lead us into no debt at all.”

Both teenagers plan to study finance, after spending so much time caddying for the wealthy members of the club.

“I work for a lot of big finance people, people that have been in the market and have a lot of power in the market,” Richard said. “So it’s really inspired me to try to follow in their footsteps and hopefully one day reach the status of a member at an amazing golf club like Friar’s Head.”

Richard plans to study finance with a minor in accounting. Lynch is considering business management “with a little bit of economics.

“All the members at Friar’s Head are big business guys, so it kind of inspired me to want to do business,” Lynch said.

Mr. McDaid said both boys are excellent caddies.

“We do have a lot of our members here that are in the financial sector, and these young kids get exposed to these titans of industry while they’re out on the golf course. So to be able to spend time with certain people, where other people would not normally have any access, is a pretty great privilege that they have. To learn how to speak to people and to just be a sponge out there and kind of absorb what’s going on. It’s pretty great for them.”

The foundation was created in 1930 by golf great Charles “Chick” Evans Jr., who won the U.S. Open and the U.S. Amateur in the same year —1916 — a feat that’s only been repeated once.

With increasing success, Mr. Evans was being pressured to go pro, according to the foundation’s website, but he “wasn’t interested in playing for money.” In order to preserve his amateur standing, he set up an escrow fund for all his winnings. In 1930, the first two scholarships were awarded to two caddies who went on to a full ride at Northwestern University.

As the nation’s largest scholarship fund for caddies, the foundation has sent more than 12,000 caddies to leading colleges and universities throughout the country, including the University of Notre Dame, the University of Michigan and Penn State. 

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