The Patriots have welcomed a new coach this season with hopes of making gains in A-North and the Shore Conference Tournament. Coach Patra Acquaviva led the girls to a victory in their first, stressed-filled game against Middletown South. Not only was there much controversy on whether or not a last-minute goal should have counted, but it also happened to be pouring during the girls’ season opener. Despite the fact that the goal (which would have clinched the win for the Patriots) did not count, the girls were able to take control in overtime and pull off their first win.

About midway into their season, Township Girls Lacrosse holds a record of seven wins and five losses. Starting the season with three wins in a row, the girls faced their first loss to Wall, a big rival, in a very close, intense game. Despite also losing tough games to Howell and Allentown shortly after, the girls did not lose faith. Clinching a major statement win over Manalapan, a rival of the Patriots last year, girls lacrosse brought their record back up to 4-3. The wins continued to tally for this determined group of girls, as they triumphed against Ocean Township.

The team then displayed just how much they had improved by beating Middletown South again, only this time by 3 goals instead of 1 as they had in their season opener. Most recently, girls lacrosse picked up a win over Marlboro, overcoming the Mustangs by 10 goals. As with Middletown South, this was the second match between the Patriots and the Marlboro Mustangs, and the second time our girls came out victorious.

Along with a new coach, girls lacrosse has some new talent to this year’s varsity team, and welcomes back many girls from last year’s starting lineup. Senior Victoria Camassa and junior Raegan Dunn were both recently included in a poll titled “Who is the best girls lacrosse goal scorer in the Shore Conference?” In fact, last year as a junior, Camassa scored her 100th goal during the season. Township’s defense starters, including sophomore Cai Martin, freshman Kirsten Murphy, junior Mary Purcell, and senior Dalton Daniels, are great at staying on their toes and shutting down the skilled offenses that Township faces in some of their games. Lastly, in the cage for Patriots girls lacrosse is sophomore Lindsay Smith, returning as the goalie.

Come support the girls in their remaining games against Manalapan and Howell!