Knights clip Falcons’ wings in 4-peat

Laila Vaughan cradles the ball and looks for a pass.

BY KNIGHT LIFE STAFF

The girls lacrosse team completed their fourth straight undefeated run through the GMC Red Division with a 15-3 Senior Night win against division rival Monroe. Thursday’s victory moves the team’s overall record to 11-3, 8-0 in the Red Division.

After a dominant 16-6 victory against Monroe earlier in the season, the team entered the game with a clear understanding of the opponent. “I think playing them beforehand, knowing how they play and then knowing how to play against them and work around what they do to us defensively, really helped us,” said junior Reagan Connolly, who contributed one goal and two assists in the game.

The team played hard from the beginning, outscoring Monroe 9-1 in the first half. “I think especially with Senior Night being such a big night, the motivation was really up there to come out and have a good turnout, so we were all motivated the whole game,” said senior Addison Albrecht, who scored four goals in the senior night victory. “Nobody let their foot off the gas.”

Safija — Addison Albrecht and a Monroe player prepare to take the draw and begin the game.

Old Bridge continued to gain momentum throughout the matchup, scoring six goals over Monroe’s two in the second half. “A key factor was sharing the ball. Our offense really moved the ball well, and our defense obviously stopped [the ball],” said junior Kristen Shivprasad, who added one goal, two assists and six ground balls to the win. “We had good stops and transitions, and I think that was a really good factor. And the draw, we had good draws.”

Albrecht accomplished a career milestone during the game, reaching her 100th career point. “It felt amazing to get that achievement with all my teammates, and I couldn’t have done it without them,” said Albrecht, a four-year varsity contributor.

Kristen Shivprasad, who contributed two assists, one goal, and six ground balls, scoops the ball.

The matchup also celebrated the ten seniors graduating from the program this year, with a ceremony following the conclusion of the game. “I feel really grateful that all of my teammates are here by my side to make it successful, and it’s all the practice we put in, and we are rewarded in the end,” said Laila Vaughan, who scored six goals, her season high.

With the victory, the graduating seniors complete their high school careers with an undefeated division record across their four regular seasons. “It feels really amazing,” said senior Adrienne Cabrera. “I am grateful to have done it with my best friends, and it was so much fun and really rewarding and keeping our energy high and positive always.”

The players credited their close bond and teamwork as a key factor in their win. “At practice, we would just work hard, and we all work with each other, not against each other,” said Shivprasad. “We all work as a team, and we all just hustle, and we all put the work in, and I think that really shows on the field.”

As the players prepare for the upcoming GMC Tournament, they plan to continue practicing hard as they seek a Fourth GMC Red Division Tournament Championship. “We have been working so hard at practices and staying really motivated and focused not letting our mess ups bring us down and persevering through and having good energy throughout the game,” said Cabrera.

Senior Daniella Young defends her opponent close to the net.
Adrienne Cabrera pressures an opposing player running up the field.
Senior Addison Albrecht, who scored four goals and converted ten groundballs, runs toward the goal.
Daniella Young blocks a rival player from making it further down the field.
Melanie Soung winds back in preparation for a clear up the field.
Kristen Shivprasad races down the field, cradling the ball.