The Howell High School Rebels would like to crash the Shore Conference A North Division girls lacrosse party that Freehold Township and Colts Neck figure to throw this spring and make a run at the title, according to coach Christina Nunez.
The Rebels have a veteran squad that includes seven seniors and three juniors, all of whom played last season. Howell is 2-0 and beat Manalapan, 20-7, on April 5.
Senior Alex Masino is a proven finisher around the cage. She scored 42 goals in 2011 and she scored eight goals in the Rebels’ first two games this spring.
Masino is joined on the attack line by senior Tara Benedetti and junior Maria Madsen, who plays attack wing.
Masino and Madsen each scored five goals in the win at Manalapan. Benedetti scored six goals in Howell’s first two games. They form a terrific scoring trio for the Rebels. Junior Chynna Chan is another attacking wing.
On defense, seniors Kaeleigh Christie, Mel Schaefer and Alyssa Aboff, and junior Amanda Mauro are all back to provide continuity and stability in that area of the field.
The Rebels are solid in goal with senior Stephanie Lehner, who has proven her dependability and keeps the Rebels in games.
Center Cassie Petty, a senior, heads the midfield contingent.
Newcomers who are expected to contribute include senior Rachel Rovern (defensive wing), juniors Allison Brown (defense), Jordan Pappas (defensive wing), Bridget McCormick (attack), Taylor Milanowycz (attack) and Marissa Conover (goal), sophomore Emma Sinnolt (center), and freshman Jordan Chang (attack wing).