HILLSBOROUGH: Girls poised for key stretch

Midfield strong for lacrosse team

by Rudy Brandl, Sports Editor
   Losing on opening day isn’t always a bad thing.
   Three years ago, the Hillsborough High girls’ lacrosse team dropped its first game and didn’t lose again until the sectional final. The Raiders won 20 straight games over nearly two months between losses, winning the Somerset County and Skyland Conference titles.
   While it’s way too early to make such grand assumptions or predictions about the 2009 team, the Raiders have dealt with their opening loss and moved on with three consecutive victories. After being limited to one goal in the first half of that 10-9 loss at Ridge on April 1, the team erupted for 54 goals in the next seven halves.
   Hillsborough (3-1) figured to continue its win streak at home vs. Montgomery and Immaculata this week, setting the stage for the first big showdown of the year against perennial rival Bridgewater-Raritan next Monday night on the road at Basilone Field.
   ”We did not play well in that first game but we’ve dealt with the loss and made some changes,” HHS head coach Beth Murrin said. “We’ve made some adjustments and we’re really happy with where we are right now.”
   Senior Katie DeLuca had moved to center after playing there during the pre-season. Murrin decided that was a mistake and put DeLuca back at a defensive wing position.
   ”We lost that (Ridge) game in the midfield,” Murrin said. “Katie wasn’t as much of an impact player as when she’s a D-wing. It put her out of position.”
   Hillsborough also moved standout scorer Dorian Gilmartin-Dzitko back to an attack wing position. Gilmartin-Dzitko has responded with some high-scoring games, including a six-goal performance in last week’s 17-5 victory over Watchung Hills.
   Senior attack wing Arielle Urban has emerged as one of the biggest surprises of the early season. Urban has led the Raiders in scoring in two games and is tied with Gilmartin-Dzitko for the team lead with 14 goals.
   ”She’s been huge,” Murrin said. “She wanted to be a contributing part of the varsity team and she’s worked very, very hard. She’s always shot the ball hard. We’re very happy with her progress.”
   Urban and Gilmartin-Dzitko give the Raiders two very dangerous and potent attack wings. Urban eventually will move to a home position and switch with senior Kelsey Palmer, who’s been hobbled by a hamstring injury. DeLuca and fellow senior Tina Marino are back together as the defensive wings and Sam Schwalje is now the team’s center.
   ”We’re basically going with five seniors in the midfield and it’s working,” Murrin said. “They’re playing well together.”
   Hillsborough has some youth elsewhere but Murrin has been happy with the progress. Sophomore Gianna Minutillo and freshman Elyse Malecki have earned starting home positions, while Kitty Dawson and Megan Barlow have been rotating at the other spot.
   Marina Grappone and Alexa Jarvis are back to lead the defense and Veronica Zuccarello has fit in nicely. Juniors Molly Kerrigan and Chelsea Williamson have been splitting time in goal. Williamson is the returning starter but Kerrigan has worked hard to get playing time.
   The young players and senior leaders will need to step up for next week’s huge stretch of games – a Monday night battle in Bridgewater and a Wednesday afternoon rematch vs. Ridge.
   ”We’re excited for it,” Murrin said. “This is what you play all for – to get better to play teams like that. Our goal is to get a little bit better each game in preparation for those games. These seniors have been here the last four years and everyone’s excited. They’re always the biggest, most exciting games.”