By Jimmy Allinder
This season has been filled with many personal accomplishments for members of the Monroe Township High School boys lacrosse team, but the Falcons would also like to bring home a few championships this spring.
Following a disheartening last-minute loss to Saint Joseph High School of Metuchen, 9-8, April 21, which settled the Greater Middlesex Conference (GMC) regular-season champion, the Falcons rebounded with an impressive 13-11 victory over St. Peter’s Preparatory School April 25. Monroe’s record stands at 9-2 overall and 6-1 in the conference.
Unless both teams are upset in the two rounds preceding the conference tournament title game May 14, Monroe could avenge its lone GMC loss to St. Joe’s if the teams clash again. In addition, Monroe is ranked as the third best team in NJSIAA New Jersey Group 4 South, according to Laxpower.com, and is aiming to capture the program’s first sectional title when it begins May 21.
From a player standpoint, attack Sean Gillies will conclude his career at Monroe as one of the program’s best. He recorded his 200th career point April 12, while midfielder Peter Jarosiewicz topped the century mark four days later. Attack Erik Anderson also topped 100 career points earlier this season, and senior long stick middle Cole Marini has recorded 138 ground balls.
“We return basically the same team that won the [GMC regular-season title] last year,” said Joe Yannone, who is in his 11th season as head coach. “We made it to the South Jersey, [Group IV] semifinals then and hope to compete for the GMC and sectional titles this season.”
Whatever Monroe achieves the rest of the spring, Gillies will play a major role. His career point total currently stands at 219 and this year, the senior has scored 25 goals and 33 assists. Anderson and Jarosiewicz, both seniors, have contributed 24 and 22 goals, respectively, and Anderson is the Falcons’ assists leader with 36.
Senior Joey Massoni has been stout in goal and has registered 73 saves this season, which brings his career total to 515. He is backed by junior Chris Nelson.
In addition to individual statistics, Monroe hopes to capitalize this season with a total of 24 varsity-experienced players who played a year ago for a team that finished 17-4. Gilles and Anderson are joined on attack by senior Mike Tepedino (18 goals, two assists) and juniors Mike Chaves, Dan Fortunato and Nick Prente. Ryan Gallagher leads the defense and is joined by fellow seniors Bobbie Kokal, Eric Polefka and Tyler Sosnak.
The middle is fortified by Jarosiewicz, seniors Chase Santiago (29 goals, 18 assists), Kyle Tepe (nine goals, seven assists) and Tim Bailey, juniors Austin Aitken and Chad O’Neal and sophomores Jack Cusanelli and Christian Giannola.
The rest of the roster includes senior goaltender P.J. Zicaro and sophomore long stick middle Jordan Perry. Newcomers include senior midfielder Mike Marchi, juniors Matt Mischler and Nick Wasniewski and sophomore attack Ty Hibbits. There’s also freshmen attack Anthony Abreu and Ryan Wood, midfielder Vinni Pucciarelli and long stick middle Isaac Hernandez.
“Our senior leadership has been exceptional and with a deep rotation in the middle of the field, we hope that will help us for the remainder of the season,” Yannone said.
“Experience is our most valuable asset moving forward. We also hope to be better prepared for the states by playing quality teams outside the GMC.”
Monroe’s remaining regular-season schedule includes its final GMC regular-season match against North Brunswick Township High School April 28, followed by a visit to Moorestown High School May 2, a home game with the Peddie School May 4 and road matches at Watchung Hills Regional High School May 7 and Manasquan High School May 16.