Local high school grads excel at collegiate lacrosse

By Josh Lashley

Skyler Francisco, Padraic Finnegan and Jesse James West-graduates of Sparta High School-and Connor McCoy and Ryan McCoy, graduates of Pope John High School-were all members Montclair State University (NJ) men’s lacrosse team this year. Francisco, a junior midfielder played in eight games and had four goals and four assists on the season.

Finnegan, a sophomore defender competed in two games. West, a freshman who played attack competed in all 17 games and started in 16 of them for Montclair State. West tallied 36 goals and 22 assists. Connor McCoy, a sophomore midfielder played in 11 contests and recorded three goals and two assists. Ryan McCoy, a sophomore defender played in nine games and started in one of them for Montclair State.

The Red Hawks posted an overall record of 10-7, including a mark of 6-1 on their home field. In the Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) they went 5-1. Montclair State advanced to the CSAC Tournament where they defeated Kean University, 20-7, in a semifinal contest held in Montclair. In CSAC Tournament championship game, the Red Hawks were defeated by Stockton University in a game played in Pomona, NJ.

Let’s take a glance at other local student athletes who competed in collegiate sports for Montclair State University this past season:

Kaylee Powers and Amber Powers, both graduates of Pope John High School, were on the roster for the Montclair State University softball program this year. Kaylee Powers, a junior infielder started in all 43 games and had a .346 batting average this past season. She had 44 hits, including five doubles, a triple, had 18 RBIs and scored 42 runs (tied for team lead).

Amber Powers, a sophomore infielder started in all 43 games and had a .422 batting average. She led the team with 65 hits and six triples. Amber Powers also had eight doubles, two home runs, 32 RBIs and scored 42 runs (tied for team lead). The Red Hawks had an overall record of 29-14, with a mark of 18-4 at home. In the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) they had a record of 9-9. They advanced to the NJAC Softball Championship Tournament where they went 1-2 with a victory over Stockton University and losses to Rowan University and Kean University. Both student athletes earned National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Division III East All-Region Second Team Honors. Kaylee and Amber Powers also earned NJAC Academic All-Conference Honorable Mention honors.

Claudia Frye (Pope John High School) was a sophomore who played attack for the Montclair State women’s lacrosse team in 2019. Frye competed in five games this past season. The Red Hawks tallied an overall record of 10-8, with a mark of 5-4 at home. In the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) they posted a record of 4-2. They advanced to the NJAC Women’s Lacrosse Championship tournament where they lost, 13-9, in the semifinals to Rowan University in a game held in Glassboro.