Lady Knights made strides during the lacrosse season

Old Bridge girls
continue to improve program
By Warren Rappleyea
Staff Writer

The Old Bridge High School girls’ lacrosse team fell just short of the .500 mark this season, but the Lady Knights’ seven victories is a team record.

Old Bridge, 7-8 on the year after going 3-14-1 in 2002, scored triumphs over East Brunswick, Hillsborough, North Brunswick, South Brunswick, Watchung Hills and Westfield.

"This year was a big improvement for our team," said coach Steve Gajewski. "Our goals were to win more than last year and to qualify for the state tournament. We accomplished one, but we just missed qualifying for the tournament."

The Lady Knights used a balanced offense to keep opponents on their toes. Senior Stephanie Lovallo scored a team record 58 goals and added seven assists. Lovallo, who will play for Kean University next season, also holds the team record with 111 career goals.

Midfielder Tara Nardella, a junior, added 24 goals and 14 assists, while senior Stephanie Montalto scored 18 goals and sophomore Danielle Fitzpatrick scored 11 times.

Old Bridge’s defense was solid, too. Goalie Sylvia Wewiora won five games and played well throughout the campaign, Gajewski said. Junior Amanda Petrocova was a stalwart in front of the net and Heather Connor, who will also play for Kean University, played stellar defense and contributed seven goals.

In addition, sophomore Danielle Abrams scored nine times from her defensive post.

While the Lady Knights will miss seniors Lovallo, Connor, Montalto, Wewiora, and forward Laura Lanzafama, Gajewski has several other young players to play increased roles.

They include forwards Amanda Hobson, who scored eight goals and three assists, and Christine DeRosa, who tallied three goals and two assists, and sophomore goalie Sam May.

Moreover, the junior varsity contingent is coming off a 9-4 campaign, and will promote a number of talented players to the varsity ranks next season.

The Knights will be looking forward to next spring as a chance to continue to improve a program that has taken strides in its competitiveness the last two years.

"We have high hopes for next season," Gajewski said. "We’ll be disappointed if we don’t get to the state tournament. Our ultimate goal is to create a consistently winning program for the long term, and I think we’re on our way."