Manasquan’s Season Ends in State Final Loss to Mendham After Memorable Playoff Run

EWING — Manasquan’s remarkable state playoff run came to an end against Mendham, but not before they left everything on the field. Facing one of the state’s top programs, the Warriors battled from start to finish before ultimately falling 10-3 in the Group 2 state championship game.

The Warriors showed early resilience, keeping the game close in the opening quarter. Junior midfielder Dylan Carnahan scored with 9:55 remaining in the first period to tie the game at 1-1. From there, however, the Minutemen put together a strong performance and gradually pulled away behind four goals from freshman star Samantha Mele, bringing an end to an unforgettable season for Manasquan.

Carnahan finished with a goal and an assist in the loss, while senior midfielder Ellie Sitar and sophomore midfielder Chloe Stevens each scored a goal in the second half. The Warriors trailed 7-1 at halftime but never quit.

Despite the loss, there were plenty of accomplishments and storylines that defined the Warriors’ impressive run.

At the forefront was first-year head coach Rachel Lasda, who guided Manasquan to its first state championship appearance since 2022. Lasda has built a reputation for winning throughout her coaching career, and her first season with the Warriors was no exception. Under her leadership, Manasquan finished 11-9, highlighted by a major early-season upset victory over Rumson-Fair Haven and a Central Jersey Group 2 title win against Allentown, the third sectional title in program history.

“I’m so proud of these girls for everything they accomplished this season,” said Lasda. “We have come a long way since March.”

Lasda was equally grateful for the trust her players placed in her during her first year with the program.

“They trusted me in my first year, and I’m exceptionally grateful for that,” said Lasda. “To get here is a testament to all their hard work and the senior leadership.”

One of their senior leaders, Ellie Sitar, was quick to praise her coach’s impact.

“I’m so excited to see what Coach Lasda is going to do,” said Sitar. “She took a team that she was coaching for only three months to the state championship game.”

Another senior who made an impact was goalie Stamos, a steady presence in the net throughout her career, recording 94 saves in her final season.

“Lexi in the back was so strong,” said Lasda. “Having the season that she’s had, she’s left some really big shoes to fill.”

Stamos’ consistency and leadership helped anchor the Warriors’ defense throughout her tenure.

Sitar also left a lasting mark on the program. A four-year varsity starter, she excelled in multiple sports, serving as Manasquan’s field hockey goalkeeper while also becoming a key contributor on the lacrosse field. She finished her career with 61 goals and 85 career points.

“Ellie is an unsung hero,” said Lasda. “She does everything right, and she makes the big plays in the games when we need her to.”

For Sitar, the relationships built throughout her time at Manasquan are what she will remember most.

“It’s been super fun to grow with Logan [McCarthy] and my teammates,” said Sitar. “I love building a connection with every single one of the players, and I think this program has so much more to offer.”

Few athletes embodied the Warrior spirit more than McCarthy. A standout competitor across multiple sports, McCarthy enjoyed tremendous success throughout her high school career. She was spectacular in doubles for the tennis team, played a key role as a primary defender on a state championship-winning basketball team, and established herself as one of the Shore Conference’s premier lacrosse defenders.

“Logan is an incredible player and an incredible leader,” said Lasda. “Albany is really lucky to have a player like her join them next year, and I’m really going to miss her.”

McCarthy’s impact on Manasquan athletics will be felt long after her graduation.

“This last season was my favorite lacrosse season,” said McCarthy. “It’s weird to no longer be in a Manasquan sports season anymore.”

While the Warriors fell short of a state championship, their season will be remembered for its resilience against a grueling schedule, growth over the course of the season, and the leadership of a senior class that helped return Manasquan to the state’s biggest stage. With a strong foundation in place under Lasda, the future remains bright for the Warriors.