By Wayne Witkowski
New Egypt High School’s girls’ lacrosse team may surpass last year’s 9-12 record with half of its lineup back.
The team was slated to open the season at home March 29 against East Brunswick High School.
Despite being the team’s third coach in three years, Lisa Malloy feels it has not affected the players’ approach to preseason, their enthusiasm and their mastering of any tactical changes.
“They’re excited to start the season,” Malloy said. “We’re on a mission to exceed last year, and they feel they have something to prove. I think we’ll be competitive in our division. They’re working hard to get the little things right.”
The Warriors compete in the Burlington County Scholastic League Liberty Division.
It’s executing the little things that separate the good teams from the exceptional ones. A coaching staff that includes assistants Sean Feddna and Michelle Palmieri, both of whom played lacrosse in college, reinforce those ideas.
After the opening game, the Warriors gear up for their division opener at Rancocas Valley Regional High School at 3:45 p.m. April 3. Five of the players were on New Egypt’s field hockey team last fall that also was coached by Malloy.
Four returning senior starters anchor the team on both ends of the field: Angela Horner and Julia Kudrick on defense and Alexis Massa and Amanda Weaver on the attack.
Katie Poch also brings back experience as a starter last season in her sophomore year at center midfield, an area of the field that will be important to keep everything running on a smooth, steady pace. Junior Payton Magnotta will add firepower playing as an attackman.
The rest of the team has underclassmen who should keynote the team’s success as well, including sophomores Holly Wetzel and Madeline Sonday on defense and Celia Medina as a middie. Juniors Emily DeAni and Chloe Alves and sophomore Emma Humphrey are in a thee-way showdown for the starting goalie spot, and all should see some action there during the season.
