Lady Knights ready to defend their GMC title
BY WARREN RAPPLEYEA
Staff Writer

The Old Bridge High School girls lacrosse team enters the spring season as the defending Greater Middlesex Conference (GMC) champions and with most of its key players back the Lady Knights are looking for a repeat performance.

Last season coach Steve Gajewski's girls went 15-4 overall, won the GMC regular season crown and went on to win the GMC Tournament. Old Bridge also qualified for the NJSIAA South Sectional tourney, but were eliminated in the opening round by Cherry Hill East.

The Lady Knights return their Big Three junior scorers, midfielders Courtney McNallan, Sam Kochie and Amber Zimmerlink. McNallan pumped in 38 goals, Kochie added 36 tallies, and Zimmerlink, in her first year of lacrosse, posted 28 goals.

Old Bridge has plenty of other firepower, too. Attacker Laura Rumolo scored 20 goals, Genevieve Vidas stalled 15 and Katie Fitzpatrick, a solid two-way midfielder, can also put the ball in the net. Rumolo, Vidas and Fitzpatrick also serve as the Lady Knights captains.

"We'll be able to score, I don't think there's any doubt about that," Gajewski said of his team. "The real key though is possession of the ball. That's where we were successful last year. We have to get the ball and keep it, so we can look for the right opportunities to attack. Lacrosse is all about possession of the ball."

When the other team does have the ball, the Lady Knights will rely on experienced netminders Heather Kesselman, a junior, and Diana Langan, both of whom saw significant playing time last year.

Junior Michelle DeFilippo returns to lead the defense, where Kasey Nugent also returns after seeing part-time duty a year ago. Sophomore Mary Honan and Mary Catherine McCarthy will also be on the back line.

"Our defense is a bit younger than last year, but I think they'll get more comfortable as they gain varsity experience," the coach said. "We're going to need them to get the job done back there. They're very talented, so we should be all right, plus we have experienced midfielders who can help out and good senior leaders."

The Lady Knights also have good depth in versatile juniors Susan Kelly, Emily Tetley and Kristen Poppiti. All three are listed as midfielders, but will be playing wherever Gajewski needs them.

"We have a good, hard-working group of kids," he added. "They're a pleasure to work with. Most of them tasted success last year and they want to contend for the division championship again. I'd also like to see them have a good run in the state tournament."

Old Bridge will open the season in Orlando, Fla., at a five-day training session. There the Lady Knights will get in several practices, at least two scrimmages and one official game. The competition will come against teams from North Carolina and New York.

"It's a good opportunity for the girls to come together as a team," Gajewski said. "It'll be an intense week and they'll get to see teams from other areas that play different styles. That will help us in the long run."