Manasquan Races Past Shore, Sets Stage for No. 1 Showdown
MANASQUAN — Last week, Manasquan challenged two of the state’s top programs. The Warriors took down previously top-ranked Rumson-Fair Haven, then lost to state-ranked Moorestown. On Monday, Manasquan got back to business, taking down Shore in a critical American Division game, 17-9.
On a day when Pat Barnaba Athletic Field was packed with kids from Manasquan’s youth feeder program, the Warriors started strong. Sophomore attacker/midfielder Chloe Stevens ripped a shot in for a goal just 32 seconds into the game. Junior attacker Dylan Carnahan found the back of the net 46 seconds later. Only 39 seconds after that, junior attacker Anella Petracco celebrated a goal. The Warriors then got two goals from junior attacker Sarah Sharpe, putting them up 5-0 with 4:59 left in the first period.
Manasquan’s Dylan Carnahan (Photo by luch.visualz)
After absorbing the early punches, the Blue Devils woke up. They scored four goals over the final 3:26 of the quarter. Junior midfielder Marielle Montenegro scored once. Sophomore midfielder Scarlett Watson netted two goals, and junior midfielder Ava Matthews scored another. The score was 5-4 going into the second.
In the second quarter, Manasquan got multiple goals from senior midfielder Ellie Sitar. Stevens added two more. Then, sisters Sarah and Summer Sharpe both scored. Carnahan cut in and snuck one past the goaltender. At halftime, it was 12-4 Manasquan. The Blue Devils never got the game back in reach.
After Manasquan closed out the game with a 5-5 second half, head coach Rachel Lasda was pleased with the overall performance.
“We were able to play the game we knew how to play, we kept our composure and played the game we needed to.”
Stevens scored a game-high five goals. Sarah Sharpe also had an impressive game with four goals, showcasing an impressive right-handed shot throughout the game.
“Sarah is a really great shooter; she has a wicked right-handed drive down the channel,” said coach Rachel Lasda.
Sharpe praised her teammates when asked about her game today.
“Our team does a great job of sharing the ball and making sure everyone gets a touch, those quick passes open up the middle for me”.
Manasquan girls lacrosse hosted “Youth Day”, with a myriad of players from their feeder program in attendance. (Photo by luch.visualz)
Manasquan goalie Lexi Stamos also had high praise.
“Sarah is amazing. I have full confidence when the ball is in her stick, and I know that she is always going to find the right shot or the right pass”.
Stamos recorded a season-high 10 saves, stopping key Blue Devils’ chances.
Coach Rachel Lasda’s face lit up when asked about her goaltender.
“Lexi has been great. She’s been great all season, and she has really stepped up in big games for us. What’s great about Lexi is that she learns from every shot they take on her. She’s a really tough kid, and she steps up big when we need her to.”
On a day when No. 2 Middletown South lost, the Warriors are now in position to seize the top spot in the rankings if they win their next game. Manasquan travels to top-ranked Trinity Hall on Thursday. A victory would mark their second consecutive win against a number 1-ranked team.
