SBHS girls lacrosse starts strong

By: Carolyn M. Hartko
   With the weather throwing the entire spring athletic schedule in disarray, members of the South Brunswick High School girls’ lacrosse team consider themselves lucky to have gotten at least one game in the books for the 2003 season.
   That one contest turned into a 12-8 victory for the Vikings over Magee Division foe, Watchung Hills. It was a good beginning for the young program.
   "The girls did a really nice job the second half, stopping the ball in the midfield, passing the ball, and intercepting the ball," Viking head coach Gail DeMarco said. "That’s something we’re trying to work on this season."
   Senior Tanya Earl led the offense with seven goals, and junior Kate Marowitz contributed three. Freshman Allie Ruggeriello notched her first varsity goal, and senior Sarah McCall posted two assists and one goal.
   Although the Vikings were ahead 7-5 at the half, DeMarco felt her team had gotten off to a sluggish start.
   "It was the first game (of the season), and the first half," the coach said. "They definitely played much better the second half."
   After graduating six starters from last year’s team, DeMarco expects it to take a while before she has all the positions locked down on the new squad. But some combinations are beginning to emerge. For example, sophomore newcomer Kashauna Pierre worked well getting the ball up to Earl. Ruggeriello and sophomore Jasmine Hemmings added a lot to the attack, and junior Krystal Brown did a nice job on defense.
   As the girls’ lacrosse program enters its third season, DeMarco is hoping to be able to concentrate more on tactics than on the basic skills. It helps that a few of the girls went to lacrosse camp over the summer.
   "They should be able to set up plays," DeMarco said. "And we still need to work on passing, and having better ball movement on the field."
   Wet weather at this time of year means soggy fields, so this week was pretty much a loss as far as the schedule is concerned. South has postponed last Saturday’s game with North Brunswick, and Monday’s against Bridgewater/Raritan. New dates have not yet been chosen, but last week’s game at East Brunswick has been rescheduled for May 12.
   "I’m thinking we’re probably not going to be able to play at all this week," DeMarco said.
   However, for the optimists in the crowd, South may be able to play Friday’s home game against Basking Ridge. That will be a tough one, as BR is currently ranked second in the state.