AREA HIGH SCHOOL LACROSSE PREVIEW

Posted: April 1st 2026

By BRIAN CUNNIFF

CapeAtlanticLive.com

The local high school boys and girls lacrosse teams have each begun their seasons.

The following is a look at each of the area teams:

LOWER CAPE MAY BOYS

Lower Cape May lost a major chunk of its scoring through graduation from last spring’s seven-win team, so this could be a rebuilding season with a lot of younger, less experienced players.

The Tigers hope to have a strong defense this spring, led by senior GK Ty Bonner, who made 163 saves a season ago. Senior D Alex Nelson, senior Jaxon Turner (15 goals in 2025), junior D/LSM Richie Harron and sophomore A Cole Lewis (26 goals in 2025) are also standouts.

Other returning players include seniors Jakob Collins (MF), Kyle Young (MF/A) and Liam Goodavage (MF) and juniors Kevin Boyle (A/D), Ryder Montgomery (MF), Cole Sederland (D) and Lukas Collins (MF).

Lots of newcomers and young players are expected to see varsity time, among them junior Joey Wareham (MF) and freshmen Cooper Turner (A), Brandon Frame (MF) and Evan Ridgway (MF).

“I feel we will perform well,” fourth-year coach Cole Blackley said. “We are very young and will hopefully grow into a great program.”

Lower lost its first two games of the 2026 season to Mainland and Washington Township. The Tigers are next scheduled to play Wednesday at home against Buena.

LOWER CAPE MAY GIRLS

Lower Cape May finished over .500 at 10-9 last spring with a team that featured just a couple of seniors, so the Lady Tigers are hoping for even more success this spring.

Some of the team’s top offensive players return, such as senior MF Nora Shoffler (62 goals last season), senior A Ainsley Reed (58 goals last season), junior A Greta Shepanski (22 goals last season) and junior A Brooke Robinson (16 goals last season.

Also returning are seniors Mia Mogavero (D), Holly O’Neill (D), Giorgi Raymond (D) and Riley Satt (A), junior Madi Sharp (A) and sophomores Mia Gilbert (A) and Liz McHugh (D).

New players expected to help include junior Violet Vitelli (D), sophomores Kendall Godfrey (A) and Taylor Steitler (GK) and freshmen Audrey Gamble (D) and Elsa Shepanski (MF).

“We expect to compete in every game this season,” ninth-year coach JoAnn McLaughlin said. “Our girls are putting in the work and are ready to bring toughness, discipline and energy every time we step on the field.”

Lower opened the season with a win over Oakcrest before falling to Mainland late last week. The team’s next game is scheduled for Wednesday at Williamstown.

MIDDLE TOWNSHIP BOYS

Middle Township enjoyed a 13-5 season that saw the Panthers qualify for the Cape-Atlantic League Tournament out of the National Conference.

The program has undergone a head coaching change, as Gavin Liepe, now that he also has head football coaching duties to deal with, has dropped back to an assistant coaching role for lacrosse, paving the way for James Marcheski to step in as head coach.

The Panthers also move up to the more competitive American Conference for 2026

Middle has seven returning players to a relatively young team this spring, led by junior defenders Chase Castellano and Davon Anderson. Another junior, A Jacob Rossi-Friend, is a top offensive option after posting 41 goals a season ago, good for second on the team. Another junior with proven scoring punch is A Connor Hagan, who registered 20 goals in 2025.

Junior MF and face-off specialist Tyler King returns after winning 61 percent of his draws last season.

Other returnees include senior Braydon Tommaro (A) and junior Mason Oliver (GK), who had 129 saves last season.

Varsity newcomers looking to make an impact include juniors Luca DelConte (MF), Benjamin Banks (MF) and Gavin McGarrity (A), sophomores Joshua Linhares (D) and Matthew Pluta (D) and freshman Patrick Hagan (A).

“I think we will have a rebuilding year, where we get a lot of our younger guys good lacrosse experience,” Marcheski said.

Middle started the season with a pair of defeats to Holy Spirit and Kingsway. The Panthers are next scheduled to be in action Wednesday at Washington Township.

MIDDLE TOWNSHIP GIRLS

Middle’s girls team posted an excellent 15-4 record a season ago, good for second place in the CAL National Conference.

Middle will look to nine returnees to lead the way this season. Senior A Natalie Stoltz is the top offensive returnee after scoring 39 goals in 2025. Also back to help the offense is senior MF Ally Brady, who had 15 goals and 46 draw controls last season. Senior D Addison Shagren is expected to anchor the defense.

Other returnees include juniors Lea Kern (GK), Olivia Famiano (D), Layla Hagan (A), Isabel Miller (MF) and Gabby Oliver (MF) and sophomore Beth Delaney (D).

New players expected to help include junior Parker Milstead (A) and freshmen Casey Day (MF) and Charlotte Kosmin (A).

Middle is coached by Ryan Freyer, who is in his fourth season in charge.

Freyer expects the team to compete for the CAL National Conference title.

Middle opened the season with a loss to Sterling. The team is next in action Wednesday at home against Washington Township.