Champion Hightstown Girls Lacrosse Team Sets New Win Mark

Despite losing in the state tournament on May 16, the girls lacrosse team was able to finish its season with a win, a title and a program-best 12-3 record.

Hightstown won its season finale against Lawrence, 17-9, on May 17. That win earned Hightstown the Valley Division championship.

"We won the banner outright with the win, which avenged our only regular season loss," Hightstown Coach Julie Reisig said. "I was so pleased with the way the girls played in the final game, because it was a stressful day."

There was a scheduling problem with the officials, who arrived very late. For a time, it even appeared the game might not happen.

"Just as the other team was getting on the bus to leave, Janyl Ventura came running over yelling, 'We have officials!  They are on their way!'  By then, the other team was a little skeptical and in a very bad mood," Reisig said.

Hightstown kept its composure and played very well. Melissa Colavita scored four goals, Cate Douglass three goals, and Melissa Ladd, Carey Ladd and Caroline Noebels added two goals each.

"I would like to voice my appreciation for the team approach exhibited by the players this season," Reisig said. "It allowed us to face many types of opponents with confidence that there was always someone who would be comfortable stepping up to score."

Reisig said she was particularly happy with the senior leadership provided by Janyl Ventura, Jessica Lenzo and Carey Ladd.

Hightstown was defeated by Wall in state play, 16-9, on May 16.

Caroline Noebels scored four goals. Cate Douglass had two goals and two assists. Melissa Colavita, Carey Ladd and Katie Hackett also had goals. Emily LeBlanc made nine saves in goal.

At the end of the season, Douglass finished with 37 goals. Melissa Ladd led the team in ground balls with 45. LeBlanc allowed only 149 goals this season, the fewest ever by a Hightstown goalie. This trio has a chance to get even better as Ladd is a junior, Douglass a sophomore and LeBlanc just a freshman.

"While some credit goes to the defenders that pressured the opponents, Emily stayed composed while making multiple quick-reaction saves off of rebounds," Reisig noted. "The Rams earned a school record of fewest goals per game allowed (9.93), while the offense put in an average of 14.67 goals per game."

Juniors Caroline Noebels (32 goals and 12 assists), Katie Hackett (23 goals, 8 assists) and Melissa Ladd (18 goals and 12 assists) also aided the offense. So did sophomores Melissa Colavita (28 goals, 4 assists) and Nicole Kerr (team leading 18 assists).

"The future looks bright as JV earned an impressive 7-2 record under the guidance of second-year assistant coach Dan Monferrat," Reisig said.

"It was nice to end the season with a win.  Usually you finish in the state tournament with a loss unless you win the tournament of champions."