VIDEO, PHOTOS: Middle pulls away from Lower in 4Q to continue turnaround season

Posted: May 16th 2025

Middle Township's Carmen O'Hara attempts to maneuver against Lower Cape May's Olivia Lewis during Thursday's girls lacrosse game. O'Hara scored six times in Middle's 11-7 win.

By BRIAN CUNNIFF

CapeAtlanticLive.com

CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE – The Middle Township High School girls lacrosse team endured a difficult season in 2024, winning only four of 18 games.

This spring, however, the Lady Panthers are doing their best to put that campaign in the rear-view mirror

Senior Carmen O’Hara was dominant and her teammates were on point throughout as Middle used five straight goals in the fourth quarter to pull away from Lower Cape May, 11-7, Thursday afternoon.

The victory over its biggest rival came after Lower posted two wins over Middle last season by a combined score of 38-6.

“Last year we kind of struggled through the season,” Middle coach Ryan Freyer said. “They beat us pretty badly, too. But a lot of the girls worked hard in the offseason and we got some new additions who are really helping us. The girls all played for each other today.”

Middle appeared in control of the contest when it took a 5-2 lead into halftime. But Lower responded with a strong third quarter as a goal by Ainsley Reed and a pair of tallies by Greta Shepanski pulled the Lady Tigers to within a goal at 6-5. Then, early in the fourth, Maddie Gilbert scored to bring Lower level at 6-6.

Middle responded from there by dominating the draw controls for the remainder of the game. That led to five straight goals by the Lady Panthers, with O’Hara and Natalie Stoltz each scoring twice and Jax Pickering adding a goal in the period.

“I think the difference was that we started taking over the draw again,” Freyer said. “We were getting the possession almost every time in the fourth quarter and that was very important for us. We were getting the ball, moving it around and taking care of it when we were on the offensive end.”

O’Hara was brilliant throughout, often dictating play with her speed and strength with the ball. She finished with six goals and two assists.

“Carmen’s been incredible for us,” Freyer said. “At any moment in time, if we need someone to take the game over, she can do it. But that’s not to say we can’t pass it around and score because that’s what we had to do today. We had to move the ball around.”

Stoltz and Pickering each finished with two goals and Layla Hagan added one for Middle. Pickering also won three draw controls and Jadea Lemma had team-high three ground balls and also won three draw controls.

Lea Kern and Olivia Rodgers combined for 11 saves in goal for Middle.

The victory improved Middle to 15-2 for the season. The team’s only defeats have been by a combined three goals to fellow Cape-Atlantic National Conference member Cedar Creek, meaning Middle will finish second in conference play this spring.

“The biggest reason I can say why this team has been successful is that they all play for each other,” Freyer said. “Every single day they practice hard and when we have our games they go out and they play hard. This team loves each other and it really shows on the field.”

Shepanski scored three times to lead Lower Cape May (9-8). Nora Shoffler added two goals and also came up with six draw controls. Gilbert and Reed each finished with one goal. Sophia Vitelli made nine saves in goal.