By paul salus
Staff Writer
CHRIS KELLY Red Bank Catholic High School’s Alisa Kresge looks to shoot during the Shore Basketball Coaches all-star game at Wall High School on March 27. Kresge was part of the North squad that won the game, 76-67.
The Red Bank Regional lacrosse team is set for another spring, and head coach Mark Alter has a realistic view of his team’s chances in a conference packed with talent.
"We’re a young team," he said.
"We graduated a lot of girls last year. Right now, I know we can manage a .500 record. I guess I’ve been calling it somewhat of a rebuilding year. I’m hoping to develop some of the younger players as the season goes on, and hopefully we can come together as a team."
Red Bank finished 5-11-2 last year and will be looking to improve on that mark this season.
Some of the key returners include junior co-captain Brittney Chevalier and senior co-captain Heidi Beck, who are expected to lead the way both physically and emotionally this season.
Sophomore Katelyn Core is also returning after getting some quality time in last season.
Alter is pleased to have a veteran in the goal, as senior goalie Michelle Wyman, who has been a starter in the program since her sophomore year, comes back to finish out what has been a solid high school career.
A key newcomer to the program is freshman starter Brie Morgan.
"She’s a natural talent, and I plan on her getting her career off with a nice opening year," her coach said. "She’s a really superb athlete, and a great lacrosse player."
Coach Mark Alter also has high hopes for returning junior Cathryn Hill.
"She’s a real strong defender, and we’re lucky to have her back," he said.
"She’s the center of my defensive core, and I’m looking to her to hold things together out there."
Alter is also looking for solid play from senior forward Ashley Blake, senior defenseman Amanda Libman, senior defenseman Amy Wood, junior forward Allie Lindsey, and junior midfielders Kerry Robinson, Paige Howard and Amanda Smith.
The Bucs split their four preseason scrimmages, and were set to open the regular season on Tuesday against Rumson-Fair Haven and yesterday against Holmdel.
The Bucs will be back in action tomorrow, when they travel to Toms River South for a 10 a.m. start, and will be back at home on Tuesday when they host Freehold Township.
The Bucs will be playing in the Shore Conference’s highly competitive Class A North, which is headed by Ocean, believed to be one of the top three teams in the conference along with Shore Regional and Jackson.
While Ocean is expected to be the class of the A North field, Red Bank should be competitive with teams such as Monmouth Regional and Long Branch, two other young programs that are looking to build from within while facing a tough schedule.