Patriot Coach recounts 2019 season

By Josh Lashley
It didn’t take very long for all of the due diligence displayed by the Lenape Valley High School girl’s lacrosse program during pre-season practices and scrimmages to pay off in regular season action this spring.
Corinne Healy, the head coach for the Patriots recounts some of the top notch efforts put forth by her team in 2019.
“Our most impressive games were early in the season against North Warren and Parsippany Hills,’’ Healy said. “In these games the girls came together to shut down the other team’s best players and really worked together to get solid scoring opportunities.
“Another key game for us this year was our game against Morris Catholic. Historically Morris Catholic has a good program and we did not have key players because of a school trip, but the girls stepped up to fill those big roles. And while we still lost, we gave Morris Catholic a scare and really made them work for the win they thought would come easy.’’
The captains on the roster showed outstanding leadership abilities for Lenape Valley this year.
“Jenna Blesson stepped into a strong captain’s role as our starting goalie for the past three years,’’ Healy said. “Her experience and composure helped to propel the others to success. Elisa Kucevic stepped up as a captain as well with composure and grace. She was someone we could rely on the get points on the board and keep the rest of the team level headed.
“Junior Macie Stricchiola came out of her shell as a scoring power with us, scoring 51 goals this season to lead our offense. Lauren Cooper also anchored our defense as a strong contributor to shut down our opponents best players and get the ball moving up field with aggression and confidence.’’
Coach Healy mentioned members of the classes of 2019 and 2022 as being among the most improved lacrosse players on the team this spring.
“Senior Maggie Hosler came into this season more conditioned than ever,’’ Healy said. “She put her all into every practice and game and consistently improved in her starting position on defense. She was solid and reliable and continued to impress every day.
“Freshman Chloe Naylor was also impressive. She started out as a swing player, playing mostly JV games, but proved her worth in her aggression and ability to maintain possession. She is not afraid to compete and play against the toughest opponent. By the end of the season she was a starting midfielder and made a huge difference for us.’’
The Patriots posted six overall victories this season and are hoping to compete at a high level next year. They advanced to the NJSIAA North 1 Group 1 Sectional Tournament where were defeated by Waldwick this spring.
“We are returning key starting players like Macie Stricchiola, Brielle Robertson, Autumn Dachisen and Emily Barling,’’ Healy said. “We also have a strong freshmen/upcoming sophomore class that will change the way we play as they gain more experience on the varsity level.’’