Hill Topics Girls Lax

SUMMIT- There's no doubt that Summit is a big lacrosse community. A large number of kids play lacrosse, many of them beginning at a young age.

This dedication to the game has certainly paid off at the high school level where Summit is recognized as one of New Jersey's premier lacrosse schools on both the boys' and girls' side of the sport. Indeed, the Summit girls were the last team other than Moorestown (New Jersey's top-ranked team for the past nine years) to win the state championship when they captured the crown in 1999.

The 2009 Lady laXers begin this season with the confidence that they too can fashion an outstanding campaign. Much of this optimism revolves around the depth of talent the Hilltoppers possess. According to Coach Robert Grella, who took over the helm of the girls program last year after four years as assistant coach with the boys  lacrosse squad, it's still too early to say who'll be in the starting lineup when the Summit girls open their schedule April 1st at Livingston.

However, one thing certain is the senior leadership.  The four captains are Suzanne Bell, Mary Kate Renehan, Jamie Osmulski, and Nora McGuire, while Katherine Childers and Katie Hadley are the other 12th graders.

"The seniors are absolutely great," Coach Grella enthused.  "They care about and have a tremendous  amount of pride in our program, and they've always put in a lot of off-season work, which shows by their prior achievements on the field."

Bell, McGuire, and Childers each play attack positions. Other girls who'll contribute up front are juniors Clare O'Malley, Mary Pomeroy, and Ericka Hartwyk, sophomore Katie Stuke and freshman Kendall Speno, Caroline Cordrey and Kristyn Hartwyk.

Both Renehen and Osmulski, returning All-Conference players, are expected to see action at the vital center position.  Each will otherwise be deployed at a defensive post. Junior Kylie McKenna and sophomore Faith Tully are also quality returnees at that end of the field.

Coach Grella also pointed out that six freshmen have already been "promoted" to the varsity roster, so there'll be considerable competition for playing time.

Junior Sarah Weber and sophomore Natalia Angelo are expected to share the goaltending duties.

Summit played well in its two scrimmages so far, defeating Caldwell 13-9, and Madison, 13-12.  Both programs field quality teams every year, but they're not presently on the level of three opponents the Lady Hilltoppers must face during the course of their Iron Hills Conference schedule.  Consider that IHC rivals Chatham, Mendham and West Essex were 3rd, 4th and 6th, respectively, in last' years' final statewide Star-Ledger rankings, and it's apparent how challenging a slate Summit will encounter.

Incidentally, Summit was 20thy in that final chart last season, and the athletes firmly believe they can improve on that ranking this year.

In addition to its regular-season schedule, Summit will vie for the championship in the Union County Tournament, where intracity rivals Oak Knoll and Kent Place are regarded as the other two primary contenders.  So along with competing for the honor of being the county's best team, the UCT offers the opportunity to claim hometown bragging rights. Summit lost to Kent Place in the tournament's title round last year.

Grella is confident his troops will fashion a fine campaign.  "In addition to our returning veterans, we've got a number of talented young players who've put in alot of time improving their game," the coach said.  "As long as we stay healthy, we should have a good season."

Along with their skills and athleticism, co-captain Bell cites the girls' camaraderie as another positive ingredient.  "We know each other really well, having played together for years and we trust each other," Suzanne explained. "Providing we keep the intensity up, we should be a really good team." While doing so, the Lady Hilltoppers will continue the tradition of excellent lacrosse in Summit.