Six Patchogue-Medford Students Headline Newsday’s Top Spring Athletes

MEDFORD, NEW YORK—Throughout a thrilling spring sports season for Patchogue-Medford High School teams, six student-athletes were named to top athlete lists by Newsday. Girls Varsity Lacrosse junior Olivia Liddell, Boys Varsity Lacrosse senior Zach Maggiacomo, Varsity Flag Football seniors Alexis Bulson-Cuozzo and Diamond Pertillar, and Varsity Baseball seniors Bryan Frascogna and Rob Melo all headlined Long Island sports this spring with their exceptional talent and achievements.

“The Patchogue-Medford School District is proud to develop such gifted athletes that display skill, integrity, and dedication on the field and in the classroom,” said Patchogue-Medford School District Superintendent Dr. Donna Jones. “It is a pleasure to celebrate their successes as they are recognized throughout Long Island for their talents and continue to demonstrate the admirable characteristics we imbue each of our scholars with.”

Girls Varsity Lacrosse midfielder and attack Olivia Liddell was voted captain this year by her teammates and continues to grow as an athlete and leader on the field, in the classroom, and out in the community. Known for her huge impact on draws and generating offense from the midfield into the scoring area, Olivia plans to play lacrosse at Stony Brook University upon her graduation from Patchogue-Medford High School.

“Olivia has worked tirelessly to improve her game and the game of those around her,” said Girls Varsity Lacrosse Head Coach Patrick Cleary. “In the first three games of the season, Olivia already collected 13 goals and 7 assists, and she finished the season with an impressive 42 goals and 13 assists.”

Boys Varsity Lacrosse defender Zach Maggiacomo is a strong leader with an elite skill set. Throughout his career at Patchogue-Medford High School, he displayed a masterful ability to communicate and organize his team, gaining him recognition. Zach also achieved a 4.0 GPA as an AP and honors student and excelled on the soccer field and basketball court as a three-sport athlete. In the fall, he will attend Boston University with an athletic scholarship for lacrosse.

“Zach is a student-athlete who embodies the spirit of the Patchogue-Medford community,” said Patchogue-Medford School District Director of Physical Education, Health, Athletics, and Health Services Anthony Cracco. “Zach’s willingness to take on a different role in each sports season exemplifies his versatility as an athlete and maturity as a person.”

“Zach is a constant reminder of everything that is amazing about education,” said Boys Varsity Lacrosse Head Coach Keith Greene. “He understands the value of goal setting, the importance of teamwork, and that success is a product of exemplifying great character, care, and commitment.”

Varsity Flag Football quarterback and linebacker Alexis Bulson-Cuozzo and wide receiver and defensive back Diamond Pertillar led the Raiders to the Suffolk County championship game for a second consecutive year in the program’s second year of existence. Alexis served as a pivotal leader of Patchogue-Medford’s squad during both years on the team. A well-rounded student-athlete, she has achieved outstanding success in the classroom and in her participation in soccer, basketball, and competitive dance. Following graduation, Alexis will continue her education at La Salle University and play on the women’s basketball team.

As the Varsity Flag Football Team established itself as a Suffolk County flag football powerhouse, Diamond Pertillar’s recognition as one of Long Island’s best two-way players persisted. In addition to being named one of Long Island’s top flag football players on their annual list, Diamond was spotlighted as the Newsday Athlete of the Week for her incredible performance in the team’s 31-21 win over Sachem East High School, in which she recorded seven receptions for 112 yards and four touchdowns. This fall, Diamond will attend Five Towns College, where she will compete on the women’s basketball team.

Varsity Baseball catcher Bryan Frascogna and right-handed pitcher and outfielder Rob Melo led Patchogue-Medford through another successful season. Bryan’s high on-base percentage and poise behind the plate continued to be influential, as they had been throughout his Raiders career. In addition to his role on the field, Bryan excelled on the volleyball court, held numerous leadership positions at Patchogue-Medford High School, and served as the Patchogue-Medford School District Board of Education Ex-Officio Student Member. He is academically ranked sixth in the class of 2024 with a 103.7 GPA. Following graduation, he will play volleyball at St. Joseph’s University, New York in Patchogue.

Rob Melo’s skill at the plate and on the mound was prominent again this season. He was recognized further by Newsday for his dominance in a 1-0 win over Brentwood High School, in which he collected 11 strikeouts and allowed only four hits in a complete game. In the fall, Rob will continue his education at the United States Military Academy, also known as West Point, where he will play baseball.

For more information about the Patchogue-Medford Union Free School District, please visit the District’s website at www.pmschools.org. Happenings in the District can also be followed on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PatMedSchools/. #PatMedPride.