By Brynn McGuiness, Staff Writer

The lacrosse team closed out its season with a successful overall record of 17-4 and a divisional record of 5-2. The team was led by head coach Dana Lenneper, assistant coach Stephanie Norell and four captains: senior Colleen Cusat, juniors Colleen Kelly and Sydney Riepl, and freshman Haven Dora.

In the tournament season, the team has moved forward in the NJISAA Prep State, Shore Conference and State tournaments. In the Prep State Tournament, they advanced past the first round for the first time in the program’s history. After Kelly scored the winning goal in overtime against rival St. Rose, the team headed to the State Sectional final. Kelly finished with five goals, Dora added two, and Riepl and freshmen Caroline Gulka, Paige Nolan and Charlotte Webber added one goal apiece. In the final, the Monarchs lost a close game to Montclair Kimberley Academy to finish second.

Monarchs celebrate their 11-10 overtime victory against St. Rose on May 20 that qualified the team for its first ever State Sectional final. (Photo courtesy of Jersey Sports Zone)

The team also qualified for the Shore Conference tournament, another first for the program. The team entered as the fourth seed and advanced to the second round of the tournament. The team also played against the Pingry School on May 23 for the Group I Central Jersey State title in order to further advance into the NJSIAA state tournament, but lost 17-5.

Individual players have also added new milestones to their achievements. Kelly surpassed the 100-goal mark early in the season, sophomore goalie Maggie McCarthy reached 100 saves and Riepl notched her 100th goal and assist. Dora and Kelly also earned first team All Shore honors from the Asbury Park Press, while Riepl was named to the second team.

“We were ready to shock the Shore, and we did just that,” Kelly said. “I am so excited to see…what we will do next year!”