Historic Season For LCMR Girls’ Lacrosse

Sports coverage brought to you by Burke Motor Group
The 2019 version of the Lower Cape May High School girls’ lacrosse program will go into the history books, and for all of the right reasons.
The Tigers finished the season with a solid overall record of 16-5, the best record in school history noted head coach JoAnn McLaughlin.
LCMR certainly had their fair share of memorable moments on the field this spring.
“We had a lot of impressive wins this season,’’ McLaughlin said. “The biggest being the second round NJSIAA (South Jersey Group 2 Sectional) State playoff win against Barnegat. We were predicted to lose but instead came together as a team and won. Also both games against Egg Harbor-the first time we beat them in overtime and this was the game we lost captain Maya Critchfield to an ACL Tear.
“The second being the night game at Egg Harbor. Even though we lost on a buzzer beater, this is the game we lost other captain Carina Raymond and junior Delaney Cluff to ACL tears early in the first half. When faced with adversity, the girls came together as a team and fought for an entire game. I could not be more proud of this group.’’
Leadership was very important and bountiful for the Tigers this year.
“We had a few athletes really step up and show leadership this season,’’ McLaughlin said. “The first being all three girls (Critchfield, Cluff and Raymond) who tore their ACLs. Even though they were not on the field with us they were able to help keep the team together and positive throughout the journey.
“Both defenders Julianna McClain and Eden Brojakowski really stepped up as leaders on the field for us this season. These players led by example every day with their hard work and passion for the team and game; both were the heart of our defensive strategy.’’  
Newcomers to the team were pivotal in favor LCMR’s success this spring.
“We had a group of eight freshmen who played a large amount of time on the varsity field,’’ McLaughlin said. “I could not be more proud of this group for sticking together and working hard every day to improve the team as a whole. Freshman Sabrina Faulkner ended up being tied as our top scorer and earning First Team Cape Atlantic League. Her passion for the game and her dedication to the team was able to help bring the team to new levels.
“Freshman Jenna O’Neill turned into one of our biggest defenders in the mid field. She was usually matched up against the other team’s highest scorer. She was able to stay composed and showed hustle in every game no matter who she was matched up against.’’
The Tigers advanced to the semifinal round of the South Jersey Group 2 Sectional Tournament where they were defeated by eventual South Jersey and State Group 2 champion Haddonfield. There is a lot of excitement surrounding the program for the 2020 season.
“We have a lot of optimism for next season,’’ McLaughlin said. “One major reason being three of our top players two being captains will be returning from ACL tears early in the season. These three girls helped our team stay positive and together this season so we are excited to have them back on the field with us next year.
“We also faced a lot of adversity this season. We have taken that adversity and it has helped us become a closer family. We will definitely miss our seniors but we have many underclassmen who emerged as top players for us this season.’’