2024 Morris/Sussex girls lacrosse team-by-team preview capsules

Jane Havsy, Morristown Daily Record

Sat, Mar 30, 2024, 4:04 PM·13 min read

Boonton

Coach: Colleen Faessinger, 14th season

Last season: 3-15

Returning letter-winners: Sr. M Elizabeth Zanca; Sr. M Cindy Matute-Pauta; Sr. D Savannah Smentkowski; Sr. G Emma Blanchard; Jr. A Jessica Knichel; Jr. A Lily Gaetano; Jr. M Ashley Suplicki; Jr. M/A Gabby Robillard; Jr. D Ashley Martinez; Jr. M Sierra Medina; Jr. A/D Lucy Soukup; So. D Phoebe Meyers; So. A/D Genesis Milla.

Newcomers: Sr. D Amaya Campbell; Sr. A Layla Giron; So. A Angela Paulozzo; So. A/G Samantha Tracy; Fr. D Kadence Larsen.

Outlook: Veteran Boonton hopes to improve.

Chatham

Coach: Helen McCutcheon Oliver, seventh season

Last season: 18-4; Morris County Tournament finalist; NJSIAA Group 3 champion

Returning letter-winners: Sr. M Addison Barrett; Sr. D Leigha Matter; Sr. A Cameron McGlynn; Sr. G Liz Sherman; Sr. D Kitty Garrett; Sr. M Josie Pruss; Sr. M/A Ava Goodheart; Jr. M Grace Hallahan; Jr. D Lilly Maurer; Jr. D Alexa Grom; Jr. D Claire Engelkraut.

Outlook: The Cougars hope to repeat their 2023 success.

Hackettstown

Coach: Stevie Robinson, eighth season

Last season: 9-10

Returning letter-winners: Sr. M Vail Carruthers (51g, 17a, 87gb, 67dc, 46ft); Sr. M Kim Curcio (71g, 16a, 43gb, 90dc, 27ft); Sr. G Kelsey Maxwell; Sr. A Ashley Veszi; So. M Ava Castner (8g, 10a, 33gb, 14ft); So. M Addison Fezenko (10g, 5a, 35gb, 23ft); So. M Kylie Kaminski.

Outlook: Hackettstown hopes to compete in the Colonial Red.

High Point

Coach: Joy Carter, 12th season

Last season: 4-14

Returning letter-winners: Sr. M Madison Tallamy (24g, 5a, 17dc); Sr. A Lindsey Van Orden; Sr. D Sydney Holder.

Newcomers: Sr. G Brianna Francois; Jr. Paige Farber; Jr. Ashley Boffa.

Outlook: High Point lost its top scorers to graduation, but was able to expand to three levels this spring.

Jefferson

Coach: Katelyn Cannarozzi, fifth season

Last season: 9-13

Returning letter-winners: Jr. M Samantha Kepler (9g, 6a); Jr. M Gracie Castimore (27g, 8a, 23gb, 29dc, 16ft); Jr. A Casey Hartnett (12g, 9a, 20gb); Jr. M Ella DelMasto; So. D Ella Young; So. M Gianna Fox; So. M Riley Strauch; So. A Olivia Bahamondes (20g, 9a, 26gb).

Newcomers: Fr. A Gabriella Celentano; Fr. D Peyton Bradley; Fr. M Cali Hartnett.

Outlook: Kepler and DelMasto are back from injury and expected to lead the young Falcons.

Kinnelon

Coach: John Mortimer, first season

Last season: 13-7, Freedom West champion

Returning letter-winners: Sr. D Kate Donaldson (18gb, 16ft); Sr. D/M Samantha Mortimer (40g, 24a, 29gb, 45dc, 31ft); Sr. A Sabrina Avato (28g, 3a, 20gb, 16ft); Jr. Julia Driscoll (21gb, 26ft); Jr. Lyla Tannis; Jr. Kira Symmons; Jr. Alycea Alexander (11g, 13gb, 13dc, 5ft); So. D/M Madison Gigante (19g, 15a, 44gb, 13dc, 23ft); So. Courtney Darlington; So. G Madison Mortimer.

Newcomers: Amilia Olsen; A Hannah Kenyon; M/G Hazel Klause; D Kendal Koger.

Outlook: Watch out for Kinnelon’s large sophomore class.

Kittatinny

Coach: Jennifer Smalley, first season

Last season: 4-12

Returning letter-winners: Sr. M Cameron Volpe (40g, 12a, 33gb, 66dc, 28ft); Sr. A Emilie Woollen (32g, 10a); Sr. D Julie Curtis; Sr. D Laney Keates; Sr. M Olivia Lombardo (17g, 19a, 41gb, 42dc, 19ft); Jr. M Raeleigh Dippel; Jr. M Erin Hennion (14g, 16a, 20gb); Jr. G Sophia Belardo; Jr. G Kylie Trilling; Jr. D Jordan Valleau; Jr. D Molly Strong.

Newcomers: Sr. D Makenzie Kover; Jr. M Megan Williver; Jr. A Camryn Downey; Jr. D Chloe Page; Jr. D Kayla Makowski.

Outlook: Smalley inherits a rebuilding squad from Michelle Paluzzi, the coach for seven years.

Lenape Valley

Coach: Corinne Bright, eighth season

Last season: 11-7

Returning letter-winners: Sr. A Sofia Billich; Sr. D Melissa Carpentier; Sr. A Alison Church (27g, 6a, 21gb, 10ft); Sr. D Claire Gallagher; Sr. D Ella Gomez; Sr. M Bethany Mayer (16g, 47gb, 96dc, 30ft); Sr. D Dayanara Villarroel; Jr. M Addison Coles (30g, 5a, 36gb, 47dc, 10ft); Jr. G Kylee McCracken; Jr. M Sara Spring; Jr. D Cassidy Truesdell; Jr. A Alida Williams; Jr. M Regina Williams (88g, 17a, 58gb, 52dc, 26ft).

Newcomers: Jr. D Rachel Clowes; Jr. A Stephanie De Los Santos; Jr. M Kendra Smith; So. A/M Erin Dietz; So. G Catherine Kraemer; So. A Gianna Molinari; So. D Kiera Graham.

Outlook: Experienced Lenape Valley aims to win the Colonial Red.

Madison

Coach: Kayla Henderson, fourth season

Last season: 15-4, 6-0 Freedom South champion

Returning letter-winners: Sr. D Katherine Finnegan; Sr. D Mae Hurley; Sr. D Riley Holland; Sr. D Beth Lennon; Sr. D Paige Lutz; Sr. G Sophia Modi; Jr. A Maddie Aromando; Jr. A Mallory Dineen; Jr. D Claire Connelly; Jr. A Hadley Holland; Jr. D/M Riley Holland; Jr. M Gabby Mariani; Jr. A Amanda Leone; Jr. M Sarah Kate Preston; Jr. D Anna Stuart.

Newcomers: So. G Victoria Rojas Naranjo; So. D Mackenzie Dickson; Fr. A Korryn Peterson; Fr. A/M Celia Stuart.

Outlook: With 13 returnees, Madison hopes to take a step forward in tournament play.

Mendham

Coach: Ali Cassera, eighth season

Last season: 13-8

Returning letter-winners: Sr. M Sophia Cardella; Sr. A Sienna Laracca; Sr. D/M Reese Alofs; Jr. M/D Gracie Shoulberg; Jr. G Sabrina Saunders; So. M Amelia Eichman; So. A Gracie Monahan.

Newcomers: Fr. Shea Shoulberg; Fr. Lexi Alofs.

Outlook: Mendham is aiming at its first Morris County Tournament title since 2019.

Montville

Coach: Julia Happe, 10th season

Last season: 9-7

Returning letter-winners: Sr. D Ava Custode; Sr. A Briar Failla (15g, 7a); Sr. D Kyra Fall (13g, 4a, 14dc); Sr. D Deanna Neff; Jr. A Parker Failla; Jr. D Daniela Pasquale; Jr. M Julia Swanson (73g, 40a, 61gb, 68dc, 17ft).

Newcomers: Sr. M Gianna Scangarello; Jr. G Angelina Vecchione; So. M Avery Arcaro; So. M Leela Asfor; So. M Eden Brodsky; So. M Ruby Brodsky; So. M Sam Dorenbush; So. D Olivia Renner; So. D Emma Spoto; So. A Abby Uhl.

Outlook: The young Mustangs hope to progress.

Morris Catholic

Coach: Kate Brennan, third season

Last season: 7-9

Returning letter-winners: Sr. A Eliza Earl; Sr. D Paige Block; Jr. M Kacie Krauland; Jr. M Kristina Harth; Jr. G Karyna Gonzalez.

Newcomers: Jr. M Maeve Whelan; Jr. A Arden Acuna; So. M Marccella Belotti.

Outlook: The Crusaders expect to develop.

Morris Hills

Coach: Alex Tepper, fourth season

Last season: 14-5, Independence North co-champion

Returning letter-winners: Sr. A Sydney Lavery; Sr. M Sydney Mulroony; Sr. G Danielle Rizzo; Sr. D Grace Seligmuller; Sr. A Aubrey Stutman; Jr. D Amber Bartolomeo; Jr. M Angela Bodajlo; Jr. M Emily Mulroony; Jr. M Binh Nguyen; So. M Carli Haigh; So. G Vanessa Cabrera; So. M Nicole Rivera.

Outlook: The Scarlet Knights expect to compete in the Independence White and advance to the second round in Group 3 North.

Morris Knolls

Coach: Connor Rush, fourth season

Last season: 11-9, 5-1 Freedom North

Returning letter-winners: Sr. Gretchen King; Sr. Mikayla Doyle; Sr. Jordan Pickel; Jr. Abby Walker; Jr. Aleena Seyam; Jr. Vanessa Russo.

Outlook: The Golden Eagles have shifted to the challenging Stars & Stripes Blue.

Morristown Beard

Coach: Barbara Ann Erickson, second season

Last season: 10-9

Returning letter-winners: Sr. A Kate McIntyre; Sr. G Keira Redmond; Sr. D Haley Sgro; Sr. D Abbie Van Cleef; Jr. M Rebecca Lenner; Jr. A Lauren Koepff; Jr. D Hailey Tannen; So. A Ayden Varbero; So. M Reid Snyder; Sr. A Hannah Mortazavi; So. D Kelsey Limbert.

Outlook: The Crimson hope to be competitive in the Independence White.

Mount Olive

Coach: Shannon Sweeney, second season

Last season: 5-13

Returning letter-winners: Sr. D Cassandra Minervini; Sr. A/M Lauren Helder; Sr. A Kaitlin Shaw; Jr. M Maggie Tilves; Jr. A Isabella Moschello; Jr. D Juliana Moscatello; Jr. G Alexa Hahn; Jr. D Sydney Bedell; Jr. D Alyssa Hahn; So. M Lauren Marone; So. M Jenna Scheuten.

Newcomers: Fr. M Autumn Perez; Fr. A Kate Bienus; Fr. D Ava Berrios.

Outlook: The Marauders hope to succeed in the Independence Blue.

Mountain Lakes

Coach: Alyssa Sebesto, first season

Last season: 9-12; NJSIAA Group 1 finalist

Returning letter-winners: Sr. G Emma Barkauskas; Sr. D Mattea Conforti; Sr. A Julia Petersen; Sr. A Kayla Plotts; Sr. D Carly Yarborough; Jr. A Meaghan Donnelly; Jr. M Abby Hawes; Jr. G Shaina Lewis; Jr. M Kaylin Oey, Jr. D KAra Sawransky; Jr. M Addison Shannon; Jr. A Keilyn Trowbridge; So. A Nora Lin.

Newcomers: Fr. M Shea Sutter.

Outlook: Sebesto, the JV coach and a Lakers alumna, inherits a veteran squad from Jen Topakas, the leader for more than a decade.

More: Mountain Lakes lacrosse delivers sectional final berth, milestone victory to longtime coach

North Warren

Coach: Sydney MacDonough, first season

Last season: 10-7, 5-1 Colonial North

Returning letter-winners: Sr. M Kathryn Hunsinger (30g, 23a, 29dc, 46gb); Sr. M Ella McCormack (41g, 11a, 41dc, 58gb); Sr. D Angelina Plut; Sr. D Gianna Franceschino; Jr. M Brooke Ammermann (8g, 5a); Jr. M Sofia Cardona; Jr. D Christina Dugan; Jr. A Brielle Snyder (30g, 8a, 46gb); So. M/A Layla Coronato.

Outlook: The veteran Patriots hope to win the Colonial Red and finish over .500.

Park Regional

Coach: Natalie Contompasis, first season

Last season: 2-12

Returning letter-winners: Sr. M Sam Cicerone; Sr. D Rachel Henning; Sr. D/M Katie Shallis; Sr. D Leah Solano; Jr. A Khayla Blake; Jr. A/M Faith Gibbons; Jr. A/M Sara Krajkovich; Sr. A/M Isabelle Medich; Jr. D/M Nicolette Peluso; So. A Sophie Cicerone; So. D Samantha Fehir; So. M Abigail Holmes; So. Cory Hueston.

Newcomers: Fr. G Riley Powers; Fr. M Sofia Viegas; Fr. M/A Patsy Shallis.

Outlook: The Hanover Park/Whippany Park co-op is building a successful foundation.

Parsippany

Coach: Amanda DeJessa, third season

Last season: 5-12

Returning letter-winners: Sr. M Ava Turrisi; Sr. M Angelina Fernandez; Sr. M Emma Straub; Sr. D Stevani Grosso; Jr. D Isabella Rivera; So. A Samantha Vitiello; So. M/D Gabby Vignola-Pennucci.

Newcomers: Fr. A/M Jasmine Booker.

Outlook: Veteran Parsippany hopes to be more competitive.

Parsippany Hills

Coach: Mackenzie Gallo, fourth season

Last season: 14-4, Independence South champion

Returning letter-winners: Sr. D Kimmie Jandora; Sr. A Hayley Kells; Sr. A Stephanie Sibilia; Sr. D Hannah Cerullo.

Newcomers: Fr. A Brenna Wittig.

Outlook: With only five starters returning, Parsippany Hills is rebuilding the midfield.

Pequannock

Coach: Colleen Grady, second season

Last season: 7-12

Returning letter-winners: Sr. Teresa Iorio; Jr. Olivia Kribs; Jr. Ava Heinhold; Jr. Zoe Wizner; Jr. Dominique Dygos; Jr. Summer ciresi; Jr. Grace Visscher; Jr. Ruby Smith; Jr. Samantha Rocciola; So. Emily Egler; So. Caitlin Zegler; So. Kameron Corbo.

Outlook: Young Pequannock hopes to build more success.

Pope John

Coach: Kyla Kelly, ninth season

Last season: 5-15, 4-3 Colonial North

Returning letter-winners: Sr. Leah Gerkhardt; Sr. Katie McCarthy; Sr. Meghan Murino; Jr. Alyssa Trendafilov; Jr. Jordyn Smith; Jr. Keira Donegan; Jr. Samantha Piotrowsky; Jr. Emily Dyer; Jr. Lindsay Carlucci; So. Allie Walton; So. Serena Lorenzo, So. Lilly Gang.

Newcomers: Fr. Olivia Zywicki.

Outlook: Pope John is trying to build a winning tradition.

Randolph

Coach: Jillian Picciuto, second season

Last season: 16-6

Returning letter-winners: Sr. M Lexi Rodell (105g, 11a, 30gb, 185dc, 22ft); Sr. A Taylor Santoro (54g, 18a, 24gb, 8dc, 7ft); Sr. D Katie Tighe (4g, 5a); Sr. D Samantha Einfeldt; Sr. D Maria LaPietra; Sr. G Judy Mahoney; Sr. M Riley Novak (53g, 20a, 32gb, 65dc, 11ft); Sr. D Amelia Walsh; Sr. A Summer Walsh (16g, 7a); Sr. D Avery Rosenberg; Sr. A Morgan Behar (13g, 5a); Jr. M Giuliana Pozzi (29g, 17a, 24gb, 7dc, 6ft); Jr. D Poema Koliqi; Jr. D Abbey Narcise; Jr. D Katie Park; So. A Natalia Donato (32g, 13a, 18gb, 7dc, 4ft); So. A Kate Ellermeyer (13g, 5a).

Newcomers: So. G Kathleen Saltz; Fr. Riley Minerley; Fr. Annabella Sharkey; Fr. Emma Gomez.

Outlook: Veteran Randolph is aiming at Morris County and NJSIAA Tournament success.

Roxbury

Coach: Kevin Bewalder, 19th season

Last season: 9-8, Independence North co-champion

Returning letter-winners: Sr. D Riley Shivas; Jr. G Isabel Mango; Jr. D Lauren Snoke; Jr. A Alexis Oliveira (27g, 10a); Jr. A Isabella Potillo (21g, 6a); Jr. M Maddie D'Agostino (12g, 6a); So. M Abbie Rattay (22g, 8a); So. A Brooke Franetovich (10g, 5a).

Newcomers: Sr. A/D Kayla Hernandez; Sr. M Suraiya Perrett; Jr. A Ashleigh Tasnady; Jr. D Gianna Weah; So. D Bre McGowan; So. M/D Emily Conway; So. D Gianna Capriglione; So. D Ashley Lewis; Fr. D Carlee Contillo; Fr. D Lauren Simmerano.

Outlook: Roxbury lost 12 players to graduation, but hopes to defend its division title and do better in tournament play.

St. Elizabeth

Coach: Michael Gervis, second season

Last season: 8-11

Returning letter-winners: Sr. M Grace Gehm; Sr. D Logan Corcoran; Sr. A Sophia Uribe; Jr. A Emma Vanderhoef; Jr. D Caroline Bodner; Jr. A/M Katherine Callahan; Jr. M Scarlett Claps; Jr. A/M Tessa Koza; Jr. A Kiersten Gann; Jr. M Ella Delatush; Jr. D Colleen Santoriello; Jr. D/M Grace Spina; So. Madelyn Moore; So. Chiara Furst.

Outlook: The Panthers will depend on a large freshman class.

Sparta

Coach: Jack Bushey, first season

Last season: 13-8

Returning letter-winners: Sr. G Sama Elhalmouley; Sr. D Shea Cina; Sr. D Sophia Paolercio; Sr. D Kate McCall; Sr. D Abby Siglio; Sr. A Brooke Weyant; Sr. A Jane Bleackley; Sr. A Jordyn Kelly; Sr. A Emily Reina; Sr. M Catie Siipola; Jr. M Uma Kowalski; Jr. M Brooke Wydenbach; Jr. M Ava Capeci; Jr. D Ella Doughiney.

Newcomers: So. A Moira Sweeney; So. M Sophie Ku; So. M Grace Johnson.

Outlook: Bushey is the veteran Spartans’ third coach in as many season.

Vernon

Coach: Steve Carlson, 16th season

Last season: 10-8

Returning letter-winners: Sr. D Bailey Mann; Sr. M Sydney Van Tassel (76g, 12a, 44gb, 114dc); Sr. A Kaitlyn White (12g, 4a); Sr. A Mackenna Thomas (20g, 21gb, 26dc); Sr. A Abby Bonnema (7g, 6a); Sr. D Cassidy White; Jr. M Chloe DeBonta; Jr. D Grace Dobrynski (23gb, 43dc); Jr. G Abby Sokolewicz.

Newcomers: Jr. D Taryn Picariello; Jr. M Audra Leiter; So. D Alyssa White; So. M Abby Cawley; So. A Annaleise Drupka.

Outlook: Vernon is deep, experienced and balanced.

Villa Walsh

Coach: Katherine DeBiasse, sixth season

Last season: 12-7, Independence North co-champion

Returning letter-winners: Sr. M/D Nadia Pinsonault; Jr. A Isa Pizzo; So. M Tessa Bowers; So. M Giselle Longo;

Outlook: Keep an eye on Bowers, who broke Villa Walsh's single-season record with 82 goals last spring.

West Morris

Coach: Michelle Poole, sixth season