Spring Sports Preview: Girls Lacrosse

Senior Cara McCartney, who contributed 21 goals and eight assists as a junior, takes on a defender and looks to score.

BY KAILEY SIEGEL

After starting the season with a 14-game winning streak and winning the GMC Red Division last year, the girls’ varsity lacrosse team expects to conquer their opponents again. Losing key players to graduation doesn’t discourage the players from expecting to win it all this year.

With the loss of six graduated seniors, returning key players, such as seniors Gretchen Polst, Cara McCartney, and captain Jenna Scopellite, hope to lead the team to another victorious season. “We have some big shoes to fill after losing a big group of seniors,” exclaimed senior Gabrielle Walker, who led the team last year with 34 goals and added 19 assists last year.

After a disappointing end to the previous season with a loss at the GMC finals, the team plans to grow their skills and seek redemption. “I think that this season will be different because one of our main goals is to win red division champs for a second time and redeem the GMC title,” junior Jessica Chin shared.

The loss in the GMC finals to North Brunswick, who the Knights beat twice during the regular season, has had an inspiring impact on the team. “After the way our season ended, I think these girls will come back more motivated than ever to finish our season strong,” Walker said.

Junior Jessica Chin, one of the underclassmen stepping into a bigger role this season, cradles the ball wand looks to attack on offense.

The team enters the season well prepared and already on a hot streak. “We won our winter league championship and have put the work in, so we can succeed in this upcoming season,” Polst divulged.

The returning team members are hopeful and excited for the new upcoming season. “It’s a great environment, and I can’t wait for the season to start up again,” junior Sydney Kirshnier said.

The girls start the season with a match-up against rival East Brunswick at home on April 4 at 10:00am.

Senior Gabrielle Walker, who led the team with 34 goals and finished second with 19 assists as a junior last year, looks for an angle for a shot on the goal.
Senior Cara McCartney, who contributed 21 goals and eight assists as a junior, cradles the ball and looks for an open teammate as the defense closes in.
Gretchen Polst, a Second Team All-Division player, passes the ball to a teammate.
Junior Jessica Chin cradles the ball while looking for an open teammate to pass to.
Senior Gabrielle Walker, who led the team with 34 goals and finished second with 19 assists as a junior last year, blows by a defender.