Lacrosse squad looks to build on first-year success
But with such an unexpected finish comes loftier, often unrealistic expectations. Monroe does return 12 seniors, most of whom were key contributors to 2009’s mark that included a berth in the GMC Tournament semifinals and a first-round win in the state tournament. What, indeed, can Monroe do for an encore?
The first week of the season provided a hint as the Falcons opened with a 15-8 victory over North Brunswick and suffered a narrow one-goal loss (13-12) to perennial power South Brunswick. Monroe played host to J.P. Stevens Tuesday and travels Saturday to South Plainfield.
“The returning players,” said Ashley Pepe, in her second year as head coach, “are the reason we’re so optimistic. Most have been with us since we started lacrosse and played key roles in the program’s development. Our goals have been built around capitalizing on the veteran leadership on the team.”
The core of this senior leadership is a pair of skilled players: Trish Powell, who anchors the defense; and Jennifer Garavente, who starts in the midfield. Each has been a key contributor during Monroe’s lacrosse growth and will be crucial to the team’s continued success.
“Trish, Jennifer and the other seniors have been serious about their responsibility of bringing this program to the next level, said Pepe. “They feel they have a stake in the future of Monroe lacrosse.”
Pepe can identify with this attitude. A native of Jackson Township, Pepe was a sophomore when the high school started the girls lacrosse program. Following graduation, Pepe went on to Rutgers where she played on the Scarlet women’s lacrosse team.
A special education major, Pepe heard of an opening in the Monroe Township school district since her boyfriend (now husband) was from the community and her future mother-in-law was a faculty member. When the decision was made to start lacrosse, Pepe applied for the coaching job.
“When I got the job,” she said, “I recognized there were a number of gifted athletes who needed to be transformed into lacrosse players. So that’s the path I took.”
The team’s record speaks of the formula’s success.
The attack line will be led by Rosa Buffalino and Elaina Hanson, two seniors with a bounty of experience, and joined by junior Nicole Russo, sophomore Kristin Junquet and freshman Amanda Salvatore.
In the midfield, Garavente is a steady force but is joined by experienced seniors in Sultane Cosaj, Jenny Saunders, Tiffany George and Daniella Klecha. Junior Teuta Cosaj and Samantha Clark, a sophomore, are also in the lineup.
Defense will be a strength for the Falcons with Powell leading the way. However, she receives support from seniors Erin Janzekovich, Savannah Nunn and Elise Sengally, juniors Ali Deitche, and Sarah Nale. New to the program is a sophomore, Geralyn Troncone.
One of the best field hockey goaltenders in the GMC, Sam Capers has turned her goal-stopping ability to become a goaltender for the lacrosse team. She is supported by a sophomore, Amanda Chin.
