Manasquan Rallies Past Wall in Latest Chapter of Shore’s Premier Lacrosse Rivalry

WALL TOWNSHIP — When people think of Manasquan, two things often come to mind: the two L’s—Leggett’s and lacrosse.

On Thursday afternoon, the Warriors once again proved why that second tradition remains one of the Shore Conference’s proudest constants.

In one of the Shore’s fiercest rivalry battles, Manasquan overcame an early two-goal deficit through dominant face-off play, balanced offensive production, and relentless defensive pressure, storming back for an 8–6 victory over Wall in a game that fully captured the physicality, emotion, and significance of one of New Jersey’s premier lacrosse rivalries.

“This is probably one of the biggest rivalries in the Shore, even in the state,” said Manasquan senior midfielder Jack O’Reilly, a Cornell commit. “It doesn’t matter what anyone’s record is—it’s always going to be a great game. Both teams bring out their best.”

Wall seized early momentum despite struggling at the faceoff X.

Senior attacker Wyatt Capro, a UMBC commit, capitalized on efficient counterattack opportunities with both first-quarter goals, while the Crimson Knights’ disciplined defense forced Manasquan into costly turnovers, helping Wall secure a 2–0 lead after one quarter.

But while Wall controlled the scoreboard early, Manasquan controlled possession—and eventually, the game.

Senior faceoff specialist Will Conway, a Scranton commit, repeatedly delivered extra opportunities for the Warriors, winning draws consistently and allowing Manasquan to settle in offensively.

That possession advantage became overwhelming in the second quarter.

After cleaning up its mistakes, Manasquan erupted for five goals, flipping the game entirely.

Sophomore attacker Casey Mahoney scored twice, sophomore attacker Johnny Kumpf contributed a goal and two assists, junior attacker Kieran Schneider added a goal, and junior midfielder and Quinnipiac commit Dax Klein chipped in as the Warriors transformed an early deficit into a commanding 5–3 halftime lead.

“I know it was divided scoring,” Manasquan head coach John Naslonski said. “That’s what helps us. If teams isolate one guy, someone else steps up. It can be anybody at any time.”

For a team that graduated seven starters from last season, that offensive depth has become increasingly vital.

Naslonski credited his young roster’s resilience to lessons learned through early adversity.

“We went behind against some really good teams earlier this year,” Naslonski said. “We learned the hard way, and they’re responding.”

Wall refused to fade quietly.

Senior midfielder Patrick Freud, who would finish the day with his 100th career goal, scored twice, freshman midfielder Nolan Larkin added two goals, and sophomore midfielder Garret Tidwell recorded two assists as the Crimson Knights repeatedly challenged Manasquan’s control.

The third quarter became exactly what this rivalry often promises—physical, tense, and emotionally charged.

Schneider scored his second goal of the game, while senior midfielder Lucas Longo added another key score to preserve the Warriors’ lead entering the fourth quarter.

Then, fittingly, O’Reilly delivered the final defining moment.

The Cornell-bound senior midfielder—who unleashed 11 shots and consistently pressured Wall’s defense—scored his lone goal in the fourth quarter to help secure the statement victory.

“I think our growth has been about mindset,” O’Reilly said. “We’ve had our hiccups, but it’s pushed us to practice harder, find our weaknesses, and become a more complete team.”

Junior goalie MJ Feminella anchored Manasquan defensively with eight saves, while Wall junior goalie Ethan Buckley posted 12 saves to keep the Crimson Knights competitive throughout.

For Naslonski, Manasquan’s success continues to begin with excellence at two critical positions.

“Two of the biggest positions on the field are faceoff and goalie,” Naslonski said. “We’ve got a great one at both.”

Behind Conway’s command at the X, Feminella’s steady presence in net, and balanced offensive contributions from Schneider (2 goals, 1 assist), Mahoney (2 goals), Kumpf (1 goal, 2 assists), O’Reilly (1 goal, 2 assists), and Longo (1 goal, 1 assist), Manasquan once again looked like a team peaking at the right time.

For a young roster still building its own identity, Thursday’s rivalry win served as another reminder that while Leggett’s may be a local landmark, lacrosse remains one of Manasquan’s defining institutions.

In a town built on the two L’s, the Warriors made sure lacrosse once again stood tall.