The Old Bridge girls' lacrosse team has been powering through its first few games this season with wins against top conference contenders.
Last Week's Games Recap
The reigning Greater Middlesex Conference champions started their season off on the right foot, defeating Monroe 15-5 on opening day. Monroe is a team Old Bridge knows very well, and they took advantage of that immediately. Senior midfielder Jessica Chin led the Knights with six goals and six draw controls. Freshman Reagan Connolly also contributed four goals for her varsity debut.
Old Bridge then defeated North Brunswick in a 16-4 win earlier this week. Connolly led the charge for the Knights, scoring an impressive seven goals. Chin secured 11 draw controls as she proved dominant on the circle.
On April 11th, the Knights secured yet another win against South Brunswick 13-2. This time, sophomore Adrienne Cabrera scored four goals. Chin netted three in the win, followed by Connolly, who scored two.
What is Contributing to Team Success?
Old Bridge graduated nine starters from last year's team, with only Chin, Cabrera, and senior goaltender Gaby Malanga returning. The Knights have had to adjust to new players with little varsity experience, but they have been making it work.
"This year we are very young and don't have a great deal of varsity experience on the roster. They are still learning to work together, but I have been very happy with the play early in the season," head coach Steve Gajewski explained.
Chin has been a key player for the Knights for the past few seasons, making her a target for other teams to watch out for. She has been able to capitalize on offense and remain dominant on defense. Her skill on the draw control circle has also been paramount for the team's success.
"In two of our games, our opponents have face-guarded Jess, and she has handled it very well, continuing to try to make the correct play and not being fixated on scoring."
The Knights have showcased their talent early this season, and a lot is working in their favor. Connolly has come in without fear, showing she can compete with varsity veterans early on and lead the charge on offense. Cabrera has also had a powerful start this season, being tied with Chin for second overall scoring.
"Reagan and Adrienne are very talented with strong skills and are integral parts of our offense."
Chin and Malanga have been leading the Knights on and off the field. They have been incredibly important in continuing success in the GMC and pushing their teammates to improve daily.
"It is a talented, unselfish and hard-working group."
Old Bridge has some work to do as they face a tough out-of-conference team this week in Red Bank Regional on Saturday, followed by Howell on Monday.
- Old Bridge girls lacrosse finds early success in the GMC - April 12, 2024
- GMC Red Division girls lacrosse players to watch - April 2, 2024
- Girls Basketball: St. Thomas Aquinas Secures Fifth Straight GMCT Title - February 17, 2024
