Trinity Hall Falls to Kent Place, Ending Terrific 19-Win Season
OCEANPORT — The final result did not define the season.
For three months, Trinity Hall established itself as one of the premier girls’ lacrosse programs in New Jersey, proving week after week that it belonged among the state’s elite.
On Friday night, Trinity Hall’s memorable season came to a close with a hard-fought 5-2 loss to Kent Place, the No. 2 team in New Jersey according to the latest NJ Advance Media poll. While the defeat stung, it did not erase everything the Monarchs accomplished during a season that will be remembered as one of the finest in program history.
Kent Place entered the matchup determined to slow down one of the state’s most explosive offenses. The Dragons controlled possession for long stretches and held Trinity Hall scoreless in the first half, frustrating a Monarchs attack that had overwhelmed opponents all season long. Kent Place’s defensive game plan centered around containing Chiara Donohue, with the Dragons frequently sending two and sometimes three defenders at the junior throughout the contest. The strategy proved successful for the Dragons as they held the Monarchs’ star scoreless for the first time this season.
Trailing 4-0 at halftime with the odds stacked against them, Trinity Hall refused to go away quietly.
The Monarchs found life in the third quarter when junior O’Malley Eldridge and sophomore Lyla Lu scored to cut the deficit to two goals and ignite hopes of a comeback. The momentum briefly shifted, but Kent Place regained control late and held on for the victory.
Trinity Hall’s Lyla Lu playing in a game earlier this season (Photo: Tom Smith | tspsportsimages.com)
As the final whistle sounded, the scoreboard reflected one result. The season, however, told a much bigger story.
Trinity Hall finished with 19 victories, an undefeated record in the highly competitive Shore Conference American Division, an impressive road win over Rumson-Fair Haven, and victories against eight of the other nine teams currently ranked in the Shore Sports Insider Top 10. Time and again, the Monarchs answered almost every challenge that came their way, passing difficult test after difficult test throughout the season.
Leading the way for the Monarchs throughout the season was Donohue, who put together one of the most remarkable individual seasons in recent Shore Conference history.
Donohue produced numbers rarely seen in high school lacrosse, finishing with 129 goals, 153 points, and 130 forced turnovers. Her production placed her among the most dominant players in New Jersey this season.
Trinity Hall’s Chiara Donohue playing in a game earlier this season (Photo by Patrick Olivero)
“Every game Chiara gives everything she has,” said Lenneper. “She is lights out.”
As impressive as her statistics were, Donohue remained focused on the players around her.
“All my goals represent my teammates,” said Donohue. “None of those goals happen without them.”
Eldridge was also instrumental in the Monarchs’ success.
The Army commit once again showcased why she is regarded as one of the Shore Conference’s top players, recording 52 goals, 38 assists, and 90 points while serving as one of the team’s emotional leaders.
Trinity Hall’s O’Malley Eldridge playing in a game earlier this season (Photo by Patrick Olivero)
“O’Malley is one of the best players I have gotten to coach,” said Lenneper. “When she recognizes her skill and her talent, she shines.”
Eldridge’s impact extended well beyond the stat sheet. Her toughness, leadership, and ability to deliver in big moments helped Trinity Hall excel this season.
While the Monarchs’ future remains bright, Tuesday night also marked the end of an era.
Four-year starter Winnie Popham, a Loyola Maryland commit, played the final game of an outstanding high school career. For years, Popham has been the backbone of Trinity Hall’s defense, earning a reputation as one of the Shore Conference’s most reliable and respected defenders.
Trinity Hall’s Winnie Popham playing in a game earlier this season (Photo by Patrick Olivero)
“Winnie has been one of the best defenders in the state since her freshman year,” said Lenneper. “That voice and calmness on defense will definitely be missed.”
Her influence stretched far beyond her play between the lines.
As she reflected on her final game, Popham focused on the relationships she built throughout her career.
“It’s been a pleasure playing with everyone on this team,” said Popham. “I’m going to really miss putting on this uniform.”
Popham was joined by fellow seniors Sands Webber and Anna Martin, who also represented the program for the final time.
Their impact will never be measured by statistics.
“Anna and Sands at practice always hold us accountable,” said Eldridge. “They raise the standards as players and people.”
Trinity Hall’s Sands Webber playing in a game earlier this season (Photo: Tom Smith | tspsportsimages.com)
Donohue credited the senior class for helping shape the culture that has become synonymous with Trinity Hall lacrosse.
“Sands, Winnie, and Anna were leading me as sophomores when I was a freshman,” said Donohue. “They really embodied what Trinity Hall was meant to be and it was an honor to play with them.”
Lenneper also spoke glowingly about Webber and Martin and the leadership they provided throughout the season.
“Sands is such a key point to our transition on attack, and it is going to be tough replacing her,” said Lenneper.
“Anna is the heart of our team,” added Lenneper. “Even though she is not on the field all the time, she holds everyone together.”
The loss to Kent Place may have ended Trinity Hall’s season, but it did not diminish what this group accomplished.
Under Lenneper, the Monarchs have evolved into one of the Shore Conference’s model programs and one of New Jersey’s most respected teams. This year’s group added another chapter to that legacy, building on the culture that has fueled the program’s rise.
Championships are often used to measure success, but they do not tell the whole story.
The 2026 Trinity Hall Monarchs left their mark long before the final whistle blew.
