Lacrosse: These North Jersey teams were the biggest surprises of the first month
With the calendar flipping from April to May, it's the perfect time to take stock on where things are in lacrosse.
Here are 10 North Jersey teams that have been big surprises so far.
BOYS LACROSSE
DePaul
2023 record: N/A
2024 record: 7-3
What a ride it's been for the Spartans, who are unbeaten in the Kirst Division after spending the last two year on the JV level. Despite playing most games on the road, DePaul's 17-man roster appears on track for the program's first winning season on varsity since back in 2015.
Sophomore Cody Webster has had a hand in just about every aspect of their success – not only with a North Jersey-high 71 points, but as the team's go-to guy for ground balls and faceoffs.
Lakeland
2023 record: 7-11
2024 record: 5-4
Coach Alan Annazone has whipped the Lancers into shape in his second year in Wanaque after a long stretch as the understudy to Kyle Ojakian at Northern Highlands.
Instead of buckling after an 0-4 start, the Lancers responded by winning their next five games with a sterling defense led by sophomore goalie Sean VanDerWeert. Seniors Antonio Santora and Brady Kennedy have given him just enough run support to slide from third to first in the Curcio.
Mahwah
2023 record: 12-8
2024 record: 6-3
Sure, the Thunderbirds are a frequent flier in the rankings and the only team listed here coming off a winning season. But nothing was guaranteed this spring after losing over three-quarters of the scoring, the No. 1 goalie and a sharp faceoff man.
How has Mahwah navigated all those departures? With five scorers in double-digits led by Cameron Robator and another potent goalie in Brandon Costanzo.
Paramus
2023 record: 6-12
2024 record: 5-4
The Spartans came into the week a half-game out of first in the Curcio division behind a much tighter defensive effort.
Not only has sophomore Gabe Akdemir stepped up with a .595 save percentage, but his poles have lessened the workload by giving up around five fewer shots per game. Senior Mikey Rickard has held up his end of the bargain as well with team-high in points (29) and ground balls (40).
Lyndhurst
2023 record: 2-12
2024 record: 5-3
The Golden Bears have had a lot more to celebrate in their second year as a varsity program. One piece of the puzzle is winning faceoffs and getting the ball to junior Matt Branco, who's tied for the North Jersey lead with 37 goals. Another is freshman goalie Lukas Gallo, who's limited seven of eight opponents to single-digits.
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GIRLS LACROSSE
Emerson/Park Ridge
2023 record: 7-10
2024 record: 7-4
More experience has translated to more wins for the Cavos, even while acclimating to a tougher division.
After starting off slow in the first two weeks, the Cavos have found their footing by winning six of their last seven games. Seniors Mary Grace Craffey and Kayla Hunt have more than 200 career goals between them, while senior Hailey Moran (26 ground balls this year) has been key to the defensive equation.
Holy Angels
2023 record: 3-11
2024 record: 7-2
While the Angels were internally confident with a wave of new talent on board, it is still impressive to turn around a program with only two seniors.
So much of their success is built around Jane Tenaglia (52 goals) and fellow freshman Rose Dooley, who have transformed the offense overnight. But don't under-estimate the defensive work by the Angels, who trimmed their goals against average from 12.14 to 5.78.
Passaic Valley
2023 record: 5-11
2024 record: 5-3
How quickly things have changed for the Hornets, who came into last year on a 32-game losing streak after a pair of winless seasons.
Now, the Little Falls school is right in the thick of the division race with 11 starters back to build on the progress made under coach Zach Donovan. Junior Lilliana Kalokitis has sparked the revival with team-highs of 29 goals and 28 draw controls.
Waldwick
2023 record: 9-9
2024 record: 9-1
Warrior Nation Stadium is not the only thing getting an upgrade.
Coach Christina Evans' team has undergone its own renovation too, with a veteran lineup that is two wins away from matching the program single-season record.
Seniors Julia Levitzke (42 goals) and Kaitlyn Verdesca (35 goals) have poured it on for a high-scoring offense, senior Kaitlyn Hu has done all the little things and senior goalie Sabrina Dowling has backstopped a defense that's allowed 6.5 goals per game.
Old Tappan
2023 record: 8-11
2024 record: 7-2
All the pieces are falling into place for the Golden Knights, who extended their win streak to five games by beating reigning Passaic County champion Wayne Valley on Saturday.
Their offense is putting up bigger numbers with Allyson Sheldon, Charlotte Malady and Mia Derrico fueling the charge. Their defense has kept them in almost every match by improving by more than three goals per game. And sophomore netminder Jaley Mazzetti has taken a step up this year with a .500 save percentage.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NJ lacrosse: These North Jersey teams are the biggest surprises so far
