By Wayne Witkowski
Jackson Liberty High School’s girls lacrosse team continues to make major strides with only five players back from a frustrating 6-12 campaign a year ago as it is off to a 3-1 start coming into this week.
Junior defender Megan Slahor and sophomore goalkeeper Bailey Havens are the lone starters back from last year’s team that looks to get into the Shore Conference and NJSIAA tournaments this season after falling short last year.
“This is an exceptional group of girls that are truly dedicated to the season and continue to work hard every day,” coach Samantha Savon said of the greatest appeal of this group. “The entire program is always positive, and players motivate one another to continue to do better each practice and game.”
It showed in the first four games. Jackson Liberty beat Point Pleasant Borough High School, 12-11, in its March 30 season opener in overtime and then beat Pinelands Regional High School and Trinity Hall by 15-2 scores before a tough loss April 8 to Manchester Township High School, 9-6, as sophomore midfielder Maeve Carney scored four of her eight goals.
Freshman midfielder Jade Rivera leads the way with 15 goals coming into this week, including five in the opening overtime victory. Carney follows with eight goals, and freshman attack Donna Polhemus has five.
With a young team that has only four seniors, including Kristin Yoo and Sophia Buttari on the attack and defenders Amy Sculte and Jenna Soldano, many are still learning the game, particularly the five freshmen.
“Each and every player needs to learn more about the game, learn one another’s roles on the field, as well as developing both individually and as a team,” Savon said. “As a coaching staff, we expect our seniors to step up and take a leadership role to help the team develop and grow on and off the varsity lacrosse field.”
They’ll be severely tested in the days ahead, as the Lions play five consecutive games on the road after an April 12 game against Lacey Township High School. The road games include Brick Township High School April 14, Donovan Catholic High School April 15 in Shore Conference B North action, Toms River High School East the following day, Central Regional High School April 18 and Pinelands April 21.
“I am excited to watch each player grow and by team bonding on and off the field, I feel as though it will benefit us as a team to be successful in this season,” Savon said.
Other players include juniors Jules Brett in the midfield and Jessica Thaler on defense; sophomores Jennifer Madera, Meghan Iurato and Danielle Marotta in the midfield and Cassie Kosheff on defense; and freshmen Rachel Abline, Lindsey McKenna and Hailey Pongracz on the attack.
