TopLaxRecruits.com, Posted 6/8/13
Staff Report
UNION, N.J. – It could not have come under better circumstances for the Moorestown girls’ lacrosse team.
The Group 3 champion Quakers completed a second straight undefeated season tonight by topping their arch rival, Shawnee, 11-5, in the title game of the New Jersey Tournament of Champions at Kean University.
The Quakers (25-0), the No. 3-ranked team by TopLaxRecruits.com, rallied quickly from a 2-1 first-half deficit and then dominated the second half in claiming their 51st straight victory.
Junior Marie McCool scored four goals, and senior Tristan McGinley tallied three goals as Moorestown won its 12th T of C crown in 14 years. Shawnee, the Group 4 champion, was making its first appearance in the Tournament of Champions finals.
“The feeling is incredible,” said McGinley. “It’s something you don’t imagine can happen. Having all these people cheering you on and seeing all these people rushing the field is amazing. Playing the game at night really sets the mood; it made it so much more intense.”
The matchup was idea for South Jersey lacrosse. The schools are close and many of the players know each other well from club lacrosse. Shawnee had given the Quakers one of its toughest games of the year during the regular season in an 8-4 loss.
This time, the Renegades (19-3) took the early 2-1 lead on a pair of goals by Carly Demato (three goals) and then led, 3-2, on a tally by Erin Smith (one goal, one assist). But Moorestown scored four straight goals to seize control.
“I think that even put more fire in us,” said McGinley about the early deficit. “We knew coming in to this it would be one of our hardest games ever and one of our biggest games. It was awesome to play our rival at this time of the season.”
McCool, who is close friends with many Shawnee players, said the teams are rivals on the field but friends off the field.
“It’s the best feeling ever, honestly,” she said. “They’re our rival and it’s always a great feeling when we beat them. (Shawnee’s) Caroline (Shinske) is one of my best friends. After the game I went up and hugged her; it was a great feeling.”
Three years ago Shawnee was the team that snapped Moorestown’s incredible 228-game in-state win streak in the state tourney. Two years ago the Quakers fell to Ridgewood, 10-9, in the T of C finals – and McCool recalled that loss still.
“That loss to Shawnee will never be forgotten and I remember well what it felt like two years ago,” she said. “You never take anything for granted with Shawnee. But now we have won back to back state championships, so obviously we are on top right now.”
Mary Flick, Sydney Dalmass, Gabby Frank and Kierstyn Voiro also scored for Moorestown and Margaret Nissen dished two assists.
“We were down against them last time and today the first half was a little shaky,” McCool said. “But in the second half we completely dominated. Our team has so much depth.
“Our defense played awesome, and the offense played awesome. Everyone played great.”
Moorestown 11, Shawnee 5
Moorestown 6-5- 11
Shawnee 4-1- 5
Moorestown
Marie McCool 4g
Tristen McGinley 3g
Sydney Dalmass 1g
Jess Dadino 1a
Margaret Nissen 2a
Kierstyn Voiro 1g
Gabby Frank 1g
Mary Flick 1g
Shannon Keeler 1 save
Shawnee
Carly Demato 3g
Shannon Nugent 1g
Erin Smith 1g, 1a
Caroline Shinske 1a
Lily Argyle 8 saves
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.