Veteran goalie and young talent step up

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Junior midfielder Luke Kennedy creates space to find a shot int he 6-1 win over Howell where he dominated with three goals and an assist.

BY GABRIELLA MALANGA AND FRANK PAPEO 

Assistant Sports Editors 

            This season, the boys lacrosse team is loaded with talented underclassmen. The team won four of its last five games in blowouts to bring their regular season record to 6-8 and enter the post-season on a hot streak. The boys have also achieved significant accomplishments along the way.  

            Senior goalie Kyle Janks reached a milestone of 500 career saves in an astonishing 25 saves to three goals-allowed performance against Tom River East on March 11. “It feels great,” Janks said. “This was one of my goals to hit after becoming the full starter last year.”  

            “The next milestone is beating the school record at 545,” Janks added. He hit that milestone one week later on May 11 against Saint John Vianney, saving 23 shots and allowing just two goals.  

            Kyle loves being a leader for the underclassmen. “These younger guys look up to me,” Janks explained. “They have shown more heart and care than I’ve ever seen anyone else have.”  

Junior defensemen Michael Pellicciotta secures the field, blocking any attacker trying to get through.

            Sophomore Jordan Christensen has made a name for himself, following in the footsteps of graduated older brother Ryan Christensen, who led the team in goals, assists and points last year. “I feel good about it. I put the work in the off-season and now it’s paying out,” explained Christensen, who currently leads the team in goals (31) and points (35). 

            Junior Christopher Fortunes, who leads the team in ground balls with 68 has taken on a leadership position on the defensive and offensive end. “It’s definitely an important role to fill,” Fortunes, a long-stick midfielder stated.

Sophomore standout, Jordan Christensen, who leads the team with 30 goals, breaks through the defense to find an opening.

            Building team chemistry with a roster of underclassmen has come easy to the team. “I think one of the most important things in high school sports is not only the skill of the team but how well everyone knows each other,” freshman Robert Gerdes said.  

            The young talent displayed this season gives hope for continued growth. “I feel good about it knowing that next year we have a lot of underclassmen stepping up into bigger roles,” Giles mentioned. Junior Gavin Giles, who currently leads the team in assists (20). 

            The boys look to extend their season in the Greater Middlesex Conference Quarterfinals on today at home against South Brunswick at 4pm.  

  • Junior attacker Gavin Giles watches the ball while receiving it on the offensive end.
  • Junior defender Christopher Fortunes, protecting the ball high, driving past the defensemen.

Posted on 5/16/23

Photos by Gabriella Malanga

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