Despite the loss of seven seniors to graduation, the Old Bridge High School girls lacrosse team is looking to again contend for the Greater Middlesex Conference (GMC) title.
Last season the Lady Knights posted a 13-4 overall mark and won the GMC title, downing North Brunswick in the final. Old Bridge also defeated Clifton in the first round of the NJSIAA Group IV North tournament, but fell to Hillsborough in the second round.
A high-powered offense and a stingy defense were the hallmarks of the Lady Knights’ success. Many key offensive players have graduated, representing a loss of about 175 goals, but coach Steve Gajewski still expects his team to score often.
Junior midfielder Nina Veneziale, who pumped in 38 goals a year ago, third highest on the team, is back to lead the Old Bridge attack. Joining Veneziale in an offensive-minded midfield are junior Brittany Fuentes and sophomore Sam Bartellis, who moves to the middle after playing defense a year ago.
Mary Honan, a senior who can put the ball in the net, will be up front along with Christine Cannon and junior Catherine Lavallo. Katie Mullen, a junior, will alternate between the middle and the forward line.
“We know Nina [Veneziale] will score and our opponents know that, too,” coach Steve Gajewski said. “But we actually have a lot of girls who can score, so I don’t see other teams being able to concentrate just on Nina. That will leave people open and they will put the ball in.”
The Lady Knights will rely on a quick defense to keep opponents at bay. Danielle Nathanson, a three-year starter, Caitlyn Flynn-Rozanski and Carly Havliand, all seniors, will team with a pair of juniors, Jen Schwartz and Kerry Stader, on the back line. Kayla McDonald, who saw some action a year ago, will start in goal.
“We have a lot of team speed, even more so than last year and that’s a big plus,” the coach explained. “Another important factor is that many of these girls gained varsity experience last year. We were fortunate to be in a position where we could get them game time and that should pay off for us this season.”
Meanwhile the Old Bridge program continues to thrive. Gajewski and assistant coach Kristen Butler had about 75 students show up for tryouts and they were able to keep 42 players for the varsity and junior varsity teams. In addition, the coach said the recreation program for middle school players continues to grow.
“This group of players looks very good and I think we have a legitimate shot at the GMC championship,” Gajewski said.
Old Bridge was scheduled to open the campaign yesterday at North Brunswick. Tomorrow, the Lady Knights will host South Brunswick and on Saturday Gajewski’s team will visit East Brunswick.