The girls’ lacrosse team hit on all marks this year that they aimed for, winning the BCSL division, earning them their historic three peat. They also went into playoffs hosting three home games in the postseason where they won the first two rounds before being defeated by the number three seeded Manasquan. They finished this season with a fantastic 16-2 record improving greatly from last season.
It wasn’t just the team who made history as players did too. In their game versus Seneca, senior captain Megan Nelson broke the all-time scoring record.
The girls’ team had an outstanding season last year, finishing with a 12–5 record. Coming off that success, they were determined to defend their title. In a competitive matchup against their biggest rival, Northern Burlington, the girls came out on top with an 18–12 win, and again two weeks later destroyed Northern Burlington with a score of 19-8, marking their ninth straight season of victory over them.
The girls are led by Coach Laura Curran and captains Suri Horner, Ava Stenderowicz, Megan Nelson, and Riley Fudala. Among the girls’ goals this season include securing another division championship.
“Making us the first girls’ lacrosse team in the school’s history to win three consecutive championships,” Curran said of the accomplishment.
When reflecting on what she was looking to achieve, freshman Mia Sztenderowicz added,
“Probably to win the division for the third time in a row. And obviously to try and get to sectionals. That’ll be like the first time in school history.”
While most schools would feel intimidated by a legacy like this, Curran views it as a blueprint for success.
“I think instead of pressure, it is an expectation. We are even stronger than we were last year with some incoming freshmen who are big assets right now, and it is expected that we do better than last year.”
Coach Curran has spent over a decade building a program that stands out.
“Since taking over the program in 2012, my goal was to make our lacrosse team strong…” Curran said.
She said she plans to make the Cinnaminson girls’ lacrosse team known throughout South Jersey. One way she is doing this is by “…focusing a lot on… our mental game and discipline.”
The team’s success doesn’t just come from talent; it’s their chemistry that sets them apart.
“The team has definitely come a long way,” Curran said. “The girls are constantly supporting each other on and off the field, which makes a huge difference in how they perform together.”
The girls show dedication and passion for the sport. The seniors have been playing together since sixth grade and have watched each other grow on and off the field.
Katie Rock, a sophomore on the team, describes the team’s bond.
“The team definitely has a great dynamic,” Rock said. “Everyone is always positive, supporting each other, and trying to make each other the best they can possibly be.”
The team lost four seniors last season, but as captain Megan Nelson said, “I think we are a similar team to what we were last year, except now we have a few more freshmen stepping up into varsity roles.”
It might seem a little odd that the freshmen are the ones filling the gaps, but Nelson highlighted that many of the girls play club lacrosse stating, “a lot of people have very good lacrosse IQ.”
“This year will definitely be our best year,” Mia Sztenderowicz said.
In looking ahead to next season, she points out that the team will be missing some key players.
“We’ll be missing a lot of defense, all our midfield, and a couple of attacks are seniors,” Sztenderowicz said.
