2023 Morris/Sussex girls lacrosse team-by-team preview capsules

Boonton

Coach: Cassidy Buchanan, first season

Last season: 4-11

Returning letter-winners: Jr. A Elizabeth Zanca; Jr. G Taylma Szmak; Jr. D Carmella Capanelli, So. M Ashley Suplicki; So. A Sierra Medina.

Outlook: Club coach Buchanan inherits a young squad from Colleen Faessinger, the coach for 14 years.

Chatham

Coach: Helen McCutcheon Oliver, sixth season

Last season: 18-5; Morris County Tournament champion; NJSIAA Group 3 champion

Returning letter-winners: Sr. G Emma Batljan; Sr. A Sophia Claps; Sr. D Kelsey Clark; Sr. A Sophie Davenport; Sr. M Maddie Engelkraut; Sr. A Ashley Kiernan; Sr. M Jane Middleton; Sr. M Stella Straka; Jr. M Addison Barrett; Jr. G Elizabeth Sherman.

Newcomers: Jr. D Kitty Garrett; Jr. D Leigha Matter; Jr. M Josephine Pruss; So. M Grace Hallahan; So. D Lilly Maurer.

Outlook: Chatham hopes to defend its MCT, sectional and Group titles.

Hackettstown

Coach: Stevie Robinson, seventh season

Last season: 5-12

Returning letter-winners: Sr. D Sara Bahl; Sr. M Gigi French (5g, 5a); Sr. A Matalina Kratzel (3g, 5a); Sr. A Ashley Kurilla (4g, 4a); Sr. M Caitlyn Montgomery (13g, 3a); Sr. D Vanya Valenzuela; Jr. M Kim Curcio (23g, 7a); Jr. G Kelsey Maxwell; Jr. A Adrianna Rinaldi; Jr. A Ashley Veszi.

Outlook: Veteran Hackettstown hopes to show progress in its eighth season.

High Point

Coach: Joy Carter, 11th season

Last season: 3-12-1

Returning letter-winners: Sr. A Jenna Brink (20g); Sr. A Madison Rokosny (17g, 8a); Sr. G Bri Post; Sr. G Cam Castellani.

Newcomers: Sr. M Julia Volker; Sr. A Kaitlyn Poust; Jr. M Madison Tallamy.

Outlook: High Point is rebuilding after losing the entire defense to graduation.

Jefferson

Coach: Katelyn Cannarozzi, fourth season

Last season: 14-5, 7-0 Colonial North champion

Returning letter-winners: Sr. M Avery Young (70g, 35a); Sr. M Nicole Delaportas (31g, 18a); Sr. A Laney Oostdyk (31g, 31a); Sr. D Lynnae Giordano; Sr. A Lindsay Ciesla; So. D Ella DelMasto; So. A Samantha Kepler (57g 25a); So. M Gracie Castimore; So. A Casey Hartnett.

Newcomers: So. D Alexa Juba, Fr. D Gianna Fox, Fr. D Ella Young, Fr. M Olivia Bahamondes.

Outlook: Balanced Jefferson hopes to defend its division title.

Kinnelon

Coach: Megan Madison, fifth season

Last season: 12-6

Returning letter-winners: Sr. A/M Melissa Elefonte (37g, 12a); Sr. D Julia Schaper; Jr. D/M Samantha Mortimer; Jr. A Sabrina Avato.

Newcomers: Fr. D/M Maddie Gigante.

Outlook: The Colts will rebuild from its veteran defense.

Kittatinny

Coach: Michelle Paluzzi, seventh season

Last season: 10-8, 6-1 Colonial North

Returning letter-winners: Sr. D Madison Haug; Sr. M Molly Riva (27g, 12a); Sr. A Aniella Casper; Sr. A Julia Moore; Sr. D Emily Popek; Sr. D Skyler Kunkle; Jr. M Cameron Volpe (32g, 14a); Jr. A Emilie Woollen (14g, 10a); Jr. D Julie Curtis; Jr. D Laney Keates; Jr. M Olivia Lombardo; Jr. A Natalie Mulroy; So. M Raeleigh Dippel; So. M Erin Hennion; So. M Jordan Valleau.

Newcomers: Sr. M Ashley Bode; So. G Sophia Belardo; So. D Molly Strong.

Outlook: The veteran Cougars hope to continue to succeed in the Freedom West, despite an offseason injury to senior midfielder Alexa Shotwell (54g, 32a, 69 gb, 111 dc, 46 ft).

Lenape Valley

Coach: Corinne Bright, seventh season

Last season: 8-9

Returning letter-winners: Sr. A Ashley Daley (7g, 6a); Sr. M/D Victoria Erlemann; Sr. A Brielle Fleming; Sr. A Katie Giusti (25g, 8a); Sr. D Natalie Parzero; Jr. A Alison Church (22g, 5a); Jr. M Beth Mayer; Jr. D Dayanara Villaroel; So. M Regina Williams (21g, 3a).

Newcomers: Jr. A Sofia Billich; Jr. D Ella Gomez; So. M Addison Coles; So. G Kylee McCracken; So. M Sara Spring; So. D Cassidy Truesdell; Fr. A Gianna Molinari.

Outlook: The Patriots are functioning on the fundamentals, striving to finish over .500 and qualify for the NJSIAA Tournament.

Madison

Coach: Kayla Henderson, third season

Last season: 7-11

Returning letter-winners: Sr. M Gwen Eilender (39g, 56a); Sr. M Rileigh Baggett; Sr. A Mae Christos; Sr. D Fiona Beacom; Sr. D Nicole Bradford; Sr. D Charlotte Zimmer; Jr. D Katherine Finnegan; Jr. D Paige Lutz; Jr. G Sophia Modi; Jr. D Beth Lennon; So. M Gabby Mariani (47g, 14a); So. M/A Hadley Holland (30g, 7a); So. D/M Riley Holland; So. A Amanda Leone; So. M Sarah Kate Preston (19g, 10a); So. D Claire Connelly.

Newcomers: So. A Mallory Dineen; So. A Maddie Aromando, So. D Anna Stuart.

Outlook: Eilender and Mariani will guide the offense while Modi and Baggett anchor the defense.

Mendham

Coach: Ali Cassera, seventh season

Last season: 8-11

Returning letter-winners: Sr. A/M Lexie Kupka (42g, 10a, 75 DC); Jr. M Sophia Cardella (65g, 8a, 91 dc); Jr. D/M Reese Alofs (22g, 5a).

Outlook: With a solid core returning, Mendham has a positive outlook.

Montville

Coach: Julia Happe, eighth season

Last season: 7-10

Returning letter-winners: Sr. M Jenna Iervolino; Sr. A Erin Kovalcik; Sr. G Riley Kovalcik; Sr. M Savannah Olsson; Sr. D Kailey Vento; Jr. D Ava Custode; Jr. A Briar Failla; Jr. D Kyra Fall; So. M Julia Swanson.

Newcomers: Jr. M Deanna Neff; So. A Parker Failla; So. D Emma Osmak; So. M Daniela Pasquale; So. G Angelina Vecchione; Fr. D Ashley Abbott; Fr. A Sam Dorenbush; Fr. D Lexi Freedman; Fr. A Abby Uhl.

Outlook: The young Mustangs hope to improve.

Morris Catholic

Coach: Kate Brennan, second season

Last season: 8-8, 5-1 Colonial South

Returning letter-winners: Sr. A Kim Nelson; Sr. D Ysabel Rabago; Jr. D Mikaela Newell; So. G Karyna Gonzalez; So. M Kacie Krauland.

Newcomers: Jr. A Eliza Earl; So. M Kristina Harth; Fr. M Marccela Belotti.

Outlook: Young and enthusiastic, Morris Catholic expects to improve.

Morris Hills

Coach: Alex Tepper, third season

Last season: 11-7

Returning letter-winners: Sr. D Addison Lavery; Sr. M Krya Morena; Sr. D Ava Zeman; Sr. A Madeline Zimmer; Sr. D Julia Rabizadeh; Jr. D Grace Seligmuller; Jr. M Sydney Mulroony; Jr. A Aubrey Stutmann; Jr. A Sydney Lavery; Jr. G Danielle Rizzo; So. M Lauren Delle; So. M Angela Bodajlo; So. D Amber Bartolomeo; So. M Emily Mulroony.

Newcomers: Fr. A Carli Haug.

Outlook: Experienced Morris Hills expects to compete in the Independence North.

Morris Knolls

Coach: Connor Rush, third season

Last season: 19-3, 6-1 Freedom North

Returning letter-winners: Sr. Jess Russo; Sr. Alina Ejdys; Sr. Sophie Jones; Sr. Valentina Quintero; Sr. Abby Fortemps; Sr. Michaela McNally; Sr. Ava Maher; Sr. Alyssa Zeniak.

Outlook: The Golden Eagles, which led New Jersey in goals per game last year, are adding successful JV and freshman players.

Morristown

Coach: Allie Ferrara, fourth season

Last season: 17-4, 4-2 Stars & Stripes South; Group 4 North champion; Group 4 champion

Returning letter-winners: Sr. M Braden Siverson (51g, 18a); Sr. D Katie Clark; Sr. G Olivia Licardi; Sr. D Grace DelGiorno; Sr. A Anna Sacus; Jr. M Anna Szporn (42g, 16a); Jr. M Anna Rivetti (31g, 9a); Jr. M Caitlin Collins (15g, 2a); Jr. A Cathleen Moran (35g, 9a); Jr. A Megan O'Brien (59g, 39a); Jr. M Kylie Pfeffer; So. D Natalie O'Neill; So. A Ava Adubado; So. A Ellia Trombetta.

Newcomers: Fr. M Caroline Condon; Fr. A Emma Tuttle; Fr. A Violet Barron; Fr. D Ava Smith; Fr. D Camryn Toye; Fr. G Eloise Downes.

Outlook: After winning the first Group title in school history, Morristown has high expectations for future success.

Morristown Beard

Coach: Barbara Ann Erickson, first season

Last season: 7-11

Returning letter-winners: Sr. D Skylar Reale; Sr. A Kathleen Degnan (23g); Sr. D Olivia McCaffery;  Jr. M Talia Picozzi (74g), So. M Rebecca Lenner (39g).

Newcomers: Fr. M Reid Snyder; Fr. A Ayden Varbeo.

Outlook: Erickson is the developing Crimson's third coach in as many seasons.

Mount Olive

Coach: Shannon Sweeney, first season

Last season: 7-9

Returning letter-winners: Sr. A Caitlyn Marone; Sr. D Amanda Fenton; Sr. D Carissa Suralik; Sr. G Brianna Welzmuller; So Isabella Moschello; So. D Juliana Moscatello; So. M Maggie Tilves.

Newcomers: So. M Sydney Cerasoli; So. M Lina Ferrante; So. A Sydney Bedell; So. G Lexi Hahn; So. M Jenna Scheuten.

Outlook: Sweeney, a Mount Olive assistant, takes over from Vivianne Bolen after 12 seasons.

Mountain Lakes

Coach: Jen Topakas, 13th season

Last season: 14-6; Group 1 North champion

Returning letter-winners: Sr. D Lilly O'Shaughnessy; Sr. A Lindsey Gellert; Sr. A Alexia Ferreiras; Sr. D Waring Parker; Jr. G Emma Barkauskas; Jr. M Kayla Plotts; Jr. D Carly Yarborough; Jr. A Julia Petersen, So. M Kaylin Oey, So. M Abby Hawes.

Outlook: Graduation claimed significant experience from the Lakers' sectional championship team.

North Warren

Coach: Ken Morris, second season

Last season: 3-15

Returning letter-winners: Sr. M Emmalee Besser; Sr. M Kate Gerkhardt; Sr. G Marilyn Dominguez; Sr. A Tatum Black; Sr. A Elloree Neary; Sr. D Devon Curreri; Sr. D Gianna Franceschino; Sr. A Vivian Drescher; Jr. M Kathryn Hunsinger; Jr. D Angelina Plut; Jr. M Ella McCormack; So. M Brooke Ammermann; So. A Dakota Black. So. A Brielle Synder.

Newcomers: So. A Sofia Cardona; So. A Christina Dugan; So. M Nyla Gillen; Fr. Layla Coronato; Fr. A Mylie Petersen.

Outlook: The young Patriots have rebuilt their attack.

Park Regional

Coach: Christina Huizenga, third season

Last season: 8-8

Returning letter-winners: Sr. Isabella Algieri, Sr. Samantha Cicerone; Sr. Katherine Shallis; Sr. Kaitlynn Wood; Jr. Natalie Mascolo; Jr. Doria Dyjeczynski; Jr. Rachel Henning; So. Nicolette Peluso; So. Khayla Blake.

Outlook: Park is young after graduating nine starters.

Parsippany

Coach: Amanda DeJessa, second season

Last season: 3-12

Returning letter-winners: Sr. A Ella Cistaro; Sr. D Medinah Sarwari; Sr. D Lauren Smith; Jr. A Abby Collins; Jr. M Ava Turrisi; Jr. M Angelina Fernandez; Jr. M Emma Straub; Jr. D Abby Katz; Jr. D Stevani Grosso.

Newcomers: Fr. A Samantha Vitello; Fr. M/D Gabriella Vignola-Pennucci.

Outlook: The experienced Red Hawks expect to be more competitive.

Parsippany Hills

Coach: Mackenzie Hestevold, third season

Last season: 12-5, 7-0 Colonial South champion

Returning letter-winners: Sr. A Madelyn Wright, Sr. M Alex Wright, Sr. M Alex Hockwitt; Sr. G Alyssa Reeber; Jr. D Kimmie Jandora; Jr. A Hayley Kells; Jr. A Stephanie Sibilia; Jr. D Hannah Cerullo.

Outlook: The veteran Vikings hope to rise to the challenge of the Independence South.

Pequannock

Coach: Colleen Grady, first season

Last season: 0-13

Returning letter-winners: Sr. A Molly Blakely (5g, 4a); Sr. A Carly Monsko; Sr. A Shaina Sweezy (4g, 2a); Sr. A Olivia Volpe (25g, 5a); Sr. D Hannah Maselli; Sr. D Samara Geissler; Sr. D Ashley Zegler; Sr. G Kaeli Robinson.

Newcomers: Jr. A Teresa Iorio; So. D Gianna DeSimoni; So. M Dominique Dygos; So. D Grace Vischer.

Outlook: Grady, a recent Drexel graduate from Glen Ridge, inherits a young squad from Lindsay Lafferman after 17 seasons.

Pope John

Coach: Kyla Kelly, eighth season

Last season: 9-10, 5-3 Colonial North

Returning letter-winners: Sr. Maura Elvin; Jr. Leah Gerkhardt; Jr. Katie McCarthy; So. Jordyn Smith; So. Keira Donegan; So. Emily Dyer; So. Kate Fiore; So. Alyssa Trendafilov; So. Samantha Piotrowsky.

Newcomers: Fr. Serena Lorenzo, Fr. Lilly Gang.

Outlook: The young Lions hope to progress.

Randolph

Coach: Jillian Picciuto, first season

Last season: 16-4, 7-0 Freedom North champion

Returning letter-winners: Sr. D Danielle Blumenthal; Sr. A Alexis Fleischer; Jr. D Sam Einfeldt; Jr. D Grace Collinson; Jr. D Maria LaPietra; Jr. M Riley Novak (20g, 7a); Jr. M Alexis Rodell (94g 20a); Jr. A Cass Saltz; Sr. A/M Taylor Santoro (25g, 13a); Jr. D Katie Tighe; Jr. A Summer Walsh; So. D Poema Koliqi; So. A/M Giuliana Pozzi (11g, 2a).

Newcomers: Jr. D Amelia Walsh; Jr. A Morgan Behar; So. D Abbey Narcise; So. D Katie Park; Fr. A Katie Ellermeyer; Fr. A Natalia Donato.

Outlook: Picciuto inherits a veteran squad from Brittany Bryan, the coach for four years.

Roxbury

Coach: Kevin Bewalder, 17th season

Last season: 5-13

Returning letter-winners: Sr. D Kaleigh Maloy; Sr. A/M Renee Liska; Sr. A/M Alyssa Cambiotti; Sr. D Ella Yarznbowicz; Sr. D Kita Guerra; Sr. D Anna Bokor; Sr. D Kendra Sparano; Sr. A Madison Hanson; Jr. G Carly Curtiss; Jr. A Jackie Sottile; Jr. A Maddy Grapes; Jr. D Riley Shivas; So. G Isabel Mango; So. D Lauren Snoke; So. A Bella Potillo.

Newcomers: So. A/M Alexis Oliveira; So. A/M Maddy D'Agostino; Fr. M Abby Rattay; Fr. A Brooke Franetovich.

Outlook: Midfielder Zoe Pickett, who scored half of Roxbury's goals last year, is gone to graduation. However, the Gaels' transition game has improved and a veteran defense returns.

St. Elizabeth

Coach: Michael Gervis, first season

Last season: 10-9

Returning letter-winners: Sr. D/M Lucia Ferriso; Sr. D/M Brynn Kearns; Sr. A Colleen Dooley; Sr. A Katelyn Clifford; Sr. D Margaret Callahan; Jr. M Grace Gehm; So. A/M Katie Callahan; So. M Scarlett Claps; So. M Ella Delatush.

Newcomers: Jr. G Mia Foer; Jr. A Sophia Uribe; Jr. D Logan Corcoran; So. D Colleen Santoriello; So. D Caroline Bodner; So. D/M Grace Spina; So. A/M Tessa Koza; So. A Emma Vanderhoef; So. A Kiersten Gann.

Outlook: Gervis is returning to St. Elizabeth as the third coach in as many years,

Sparta

Coach: Alexandra Takacs, second season

Last season: 12-7

Returning letter-winners: Sr. A Leah Moore (50g, 7a); Sr. M Aine Byrne (38g, 23a); So. M Uma Kowalski (87g, 31a).

Outlook: High-powered Sparta hopes to compete in the Freedom North.

Vernon

Coach: Steve Carlson, 15th season

Last season: 6-13, 1-5 Freedom West

Returning letter-winners: Sr. M Riley Lewicki; Sr. M Lauren Waschek; Sr. A Colleen Fraser (5g, 8a); Sr. A Lexi Moskovitz (3g, 6a); Sr. A Alyssa Molette; Jr. D Bailey Mann; Jr. D Gabbi Tavares; Jr. M Sydney Van Tassel (54g, 27a); Jr. M Kaitlyn White; Jr. A Mackenna Thomas.

Newcomers: Sr. A Cora Leiter; Jr. A Abby Bonnema; Jr. D Cassidy White; So. M Chloe DeBonta; So. D Grace Dobrynski; Fr. M Abby Cawley; Fr. D Analeise Drubka.

Outlook: Vernon is building around its defense, after graduating its top two scorers.

Villa Walsh

Coach: Katherine DeBiasse, fifth season

Last season: 10-11

Returning letter-winners: Sr. M Siobhan Bracken; Sr. D Maggie Noonan; So. A Isa Pizzo; So. M Kayla Castellano.

Newcomers: Fr. A Tessa Bowers; Fr. M/A Gigi Longo; Fr. A Sofia Kearns.

Outlook: The Vikings hope for progress, particularly from the large freshman class.

West Morris

Coach: Michelle Poole, fifth season

Last season: 12-4, 4-2 Freedom North

Returning letter-winners: Sr. M Annalise Caufield; Sr. D Kelsey Commerford; Sr. A Lily DiPietro (3g, 5a); Sr. G Tara Reilly; Sr. A Maggie Thornton (9g); Sr. D Lyllie Weeks; Sr. D Isabella Wu; Jr. A Celia Ortiz; So. M Lauren Carbon (15g, 3a).

Newcomers: Jr. M Mackenzie Flammer; Jr. M Kaitlyn Martire; Jr. D Jamie Ryan; Jr. A Hayden Scotti; So. G Paytyn Crisp; So. M Brooke Cubbage; So. M Gianna Paz; So. M Eliza Pickard; So. M Adalena Vazquez; Fr. A Kate Barisonek; Fr. D Lauren Barisonek; Fr. A Charlotte Wu.

Outlook: Commerford (Louisville) and Reilly (Brown) will lead a solid West Morris defense.