North defense stymies PHS lacrosse
By Bob Nuse, Sports Editor
The West Windsor-Plainsboro High North defense was on its heels after allowing four quick goals to Princeton in Tuesday’s North Jersey Group III sectional girls lacrosse semifinal.
But as it has throughout the second half of the season, the Knights’ defense regrouped and settled in, giving the offense a chance to get the game back within reach. WW-P North scored nine of the next 13 goals for a 10-8 halftime lead on its way to a 14-12 win over the Little Tigers.
”We really pulled it together,” senior defender Nancy Wu said of the Knights’ effort. “We started out the season with a completely different defensive lineup. After the MCT finals we have completely pulled it together and everyone is staying together and talking.
”Our goalie is awesome. She makes some nice saves and comes up big. We lost 12 seniors last year so I am really happy with the way the team has pulled it together. Our teamwork has been awesome and we are a completely different team from the beginning of the season.”
With the win, the Knights advanced to the sectional final, where they were scheduled to face top-seeded Mendham on Thursday. Kristine Towell led the Knights offense with six goals, while Olivia Harpel added five. Emilia Lopez-Ona had six goals to lead Princeton, which also received three goals from Elizabeth Jacobs.
WW-P North began the season 0-2, but has won 16 of 19 games since then. It’s been one big step forward each game for a team that began the season looking to replace 12 graduated seniors.
”This is my first experience with the girls starting where they started and really became a unit,” North coach Beth Serughetti said. “I feel a lot of times we start as a unit and then grow from that unit. But this year I felt like we were individuals and we really needed to grow into a unit.
”The girls stayed focused today and kept working hard the whole time. Princeton started on a roll and I don’t think our defense was quite there yet. Our defense needed to get their feet wet and once they got their feet wet I think they felt like they were there. Once you make those stops and have that confidence it helps elevate that whole defensive unit.”
Wu was one of those players who didn’t play much prior to this year, but now she is a leader on a strong defensive unit.
”Our defense is very young,” Serughetti said. “Nancy has done a great job. She is someone who last year didn’t get a lot of playing time to this year she’s being a leader and one of those girls who is always communicating. She is a very positive person who is always working hard. She is great with the ground balls and help defense. She really is such a big part of our defensive unit. We will miss her next year.”
Wu can also notice the difference on the field as everyone gains needed experience.
”They are really stepping up and seeing the field more,” Wu said of the younger players. “On defense they are staying girl on ball and not ball watching or girl watching as much. And they are being more aware of their surroundings.
”It’s been great playing with these girls. We keep improving and the MCT final was a big turning point. That was a game where the defense really pulled it together. We stuck with the game plan and now we are keeping that defense that we found with the help and it is really working.”
With the loss, Princeton finished 14-4 and had an outstanding season.
”I’m disappointed in the outcome,” Princeton coach Christie Cooper said. “But I am not disappointed with any one of my players out on the field. They fought hard and they wanted to win and it just didn’t come out that way.”

