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It would be complimentary enough to state that the Ocean City program is very competitive at the top level of the talent-rich New Jersey high school girls’ lacrosse scene. What makes the Red Raiders even more impressive, however, is their willingness to face off against the toughest opposition available, outside of the always challenging Cape Atlantic League.
From example, the Red Raiders are scheduled to play a perennially strong Shawnee team at home on Saturday, April 6.
“We would like to make a big run in the postseason like last year,’’ Ocean City head coach Alyssa Morrison said. “We have a very tough out of Conference schedule this year with Moorestown (on the road on March 27), Red Bank Catholic (at home on March 30), Shawnee, Eastern (at home on April 13) and Garnet Valley from PA (at home on April 16). We hope to keep all of these games competitive and come out with as many W’s as possible.
“This year we will be returning to Disney’s Wide World of Sports Spring Training for the third time over on our Spring Break in April. While there we will be playing highly competitive programs from Long Island, New York. We are very excited for this trip and the training we get while there.’’
Last season, Ocean City finished with a stellar overall record of 19-2 with the only two losses occurring to powerhouse Moorestown, once in the regular and also in the NJSIAA South Jersey Group 3 Sectional Tournament championship game. Moorestown went on to win the NJSIAA State Group 3 title and the Tournament of Champions crown in 2018.
Key returnees from last year’s team include Danielle Donoghue (senior, midfielder), Shannon Decosta (senior), Anna Devlin (senior, midfielder), Abbey Fenton (junior, goalie) and Molly Reardon (junior, defender).
Sophomore defender Tess Grimley is among the key newcomers to the varsity level for the Red Raiders.
“Senior Anna Devlin is a natural leader on and off the field,’’ Morrison said. “She leads by example and is the most dedicated player on the team-mild mannered kid that is an explosive player that can shock you on attack, defense and in the midfield. She keeps her team focused and settled.
“Shannon Decosta’s energy and motivation will keep her team in every game and every play. She is a great communicator and leads by example. Shannon is high energy and expects the best from her team 100% of the time.’’
There will be plenty of obstacles awaiting Ocean City within the Cape Atlantic League.
“With the split in the CAL this year, our biggest competition will be Lower Cape May and Egg Harbor Township,’’ Morrison said. “I think we will do really well in our Division but we are looking forward to our crossover game at the end of the season against our rival Mainland on May 10.’’
Dennisville – As a parent of a Tech student it would be great if the school would update their staff directory. So many old staff still listed and no new teachers listed. What gives?
