Mount Athletes Shine in a Stellar Fall Sports Season

By Katya Ellenis and Anna Cecala, Seniors at Mount St. Dominic Academy

Mount St. Dominic Academy’s fall sports teams delivered an exceptional season, achieving success at every level, from conference to state competitions. The varsity soccer team finished the season with an impressive 15-5 record. They claimed the #1 seed in both the Essex County and North Jersey Non-Public A State Tournaments and were ranked #8 in the NJ.com Top 20 during the week of October 15, 2024.

The Lady Lions varsity soccer team had an incredible showing, with seven players earning All-Conference SEC Liberty Division honors. Juniors Lena Tusche and Mary Hladik, along with sophomore Gianna Camporeale, were named to the First Team. Freshmen Bella Raju, Ella O’Donnell, and Reina Casas were selected for the Second Team, while freshmen Sophia Giordano and Aanya Davitt received Honorable Mentions. In the NJ Prep A Tournament, Tusche and Camporeale earned spots on the All-Prep A Team, while Hladik received an Honorable Mention. In addition, Tusche and Camporeale were named to the NJ.com All Non-Public 2nd Team. Tusche capped off her season with a historic achievement, earning a spot on Colombia’s U17 Women’s World Cup roster.

Individual athletes across other sports also stood out, earning accolades for their outstanding performances. In cross country, junior Lily Nachbar was named an Honorable Mention in the SEC American Division.

In field hockey, freshman Jillian Diglio was named to the First Team in both the SEC Liberty Division and the All-Conference Essex-Union Blue Division. Freshman Somer Haydu earned Second Team honors in the SEC Liberty Division and was also named to the First Team in the All-Conference Essex-Union Blue Division. Junior Finola Giblin was named to the Second Team in both the SEC Liberty Division and the All-Conference Essex-Union Blue Division. Sophomore Ava Capalbo received Honorable Mention in the SEC Liberty Division and was named to the Second Team in the All-Conference Essex-Union Blue Division. Senior Annaliese Abboud earned Honorable Mention in the SEC Liberty Division. Freshman Sofia Fetherolf and junior Gabby Alfaro were both recognized as Honorable Mentions in the All-Conference Essex-Union Blue Division.

Sophomore Madison Cronin earned a spot on the First Team in the SEC American Division for tennis, while freshman Michelle Bijak and junior Nicky Higgins received Honorable Mentions in the same division.

The volleyball team was equally dominant, with six players earning All-Conference SEC American Division honors. Sophomores Ariana Rivera and Alexci Greene were named to the First Team, while sophomores Luchia Nativo and MJ Finn were selected for the Second Team. Freshman Sophia Mahon and junior Mia Smith received Honorable Mentions. Rivera was also named to the All-Prep A Team, with Nativo earning an Honorable Mention in the All-Prep A Tournament.

The Mount’s fall season was a celebration of teamwork, individual talent, and extraordinary effort. Every athlete and coach contributed to an unforgettable season, setting the stage for continued success in the future. Congratulations to all who made this fall a resounding triumph.

NOTE: Mount St. Dominic Academy seniors Anna Cecala and Katya Ellenis are members of the Mount’s Journalism class. As part of their coursework, some of the articles written in that class are being published in the media, showcasing the students’ journalistic skills and providing real-world writing experience. To learn more about Mount athletics, please visit the website.