The 2024 Fall sports season has arrived, and with it comes a positive outlook and new goals from teams throughout the Trenton Diocese area. Here’s a sneak preview:
DONOVAN CATHOLIC, TOMS RIVER
The Griffins’ field hockey team had a 6-9-1 overall record last year but went 5-0-1 to win the Shore Conference South B Division championship.
Former assistant Elizabeth Herlihy takes over for Kaitlin Maguire while Audrey Boyd-Iovino steps in as the new assistant.
“There is certainly optimism about the season; the girls have impressed us so far,” Herlihy said. “They have shown up with positive energy, and they’re motivated to grow as a team and exceed the high bar that was set for them. Anything is possible.”
Key seniors are leading scorers Josalyn Rush, Hannah Kelly and Kolby Arnold, along with defender Julia Schirripa.
“Julia switched to defense last year and is now an integral part of our defensive unit,” Herlihy said. “We have a strong group of seniors and can’t wait to see how they lead the team.”
The new goalie will be Elizabeth DeBonis, who began playing the position last year. “Since then, she has committed her time to improving her skills and it clearly shows,” the coach noted.
NOTRE DAME, LAWRENCEVILLE
The Irish community entered the school year in mourning when 2024 graduate Danny Haas died from injuries sustained in an August 20 car crash. Haas was a member of the varsity football team.
“It’s just terrible,” said coach Sean Clancy. “He was a great kid, very involved in the community.”
Senior Julian Matera brings the ball to the end zone in the first home game win of the season Aug. 30 for Notre Dame High School, Lawrenceville. Mike Ehrmann photo
Notre Dame held a moment of silence prior to its Aug. 30 season opener and recorded a 40-38 win over Bridgewater-Raritan. The Irish will wear Danny’s number 15 on their helmets throughout the season.
Last year’s football team went 10-1 and graduated numerous starters, including quarterback AJ Surace and running back Gabe Winowich, both now at Rutgers.
Julian Matera, a 6-2, 190-lb. senior, is strong and quick enough to run Notre Dame’s run-pass option offense, Clancy said. He ran for three touchdowns in the opener and rushed for three more. Running backs are juniors Musa Kamera, who ran for 97 yards in the opener, Anthony Merlino and Jeylon Billups and sophomore CJ Woods. Senior Wyatt Moore (87 career catches) is the leading returning receiver and caught two TD passes against Bridgewater. He is joined by seniors Tyler Stefanisko and Will Renda and juniors Kamera and Max Pelzer.
The offensive line features seniors Will Napier, Andy Onzik and Graiden Stoy and junior Dom Cuniglio. Renda and Napier will be on the defensive line while seniors Cam Bailey and Anthony Kelly will also be in the box. A solid secondary includes junior Aldric “AJ” Crawford, sophomore Caron “CJ” Woods and senior Ryan Peterson.
“We will have growing pains, but I’m confident that as we gain experience the kids know that failing is not failure,” said Clancy. “They looked great in our two scrimmages against two strong teams (St. Mary’s, Middletown South) … We’ll get better every week.”
RED BANK CATHOLIC
The Caseys’ girls volleyball team returns three senior starters from last year’s 13-9 squad that qualified for the Shore Conference and state tournaments.
They are libero Talia Snedeker (237 digs, 33 aces), outside hitter Katherine Bauman (155 kills, 120 digs) and middle blocker Kennedy Miller (78 kills, 19 blocks). Snedeker reads the ball well and can also serve as a playmaker, Bauman’s strong swings allow her to score points (she is closing in on 500 aces) and Miller is solid blocking at the net, can read overpasses well and put the ball away, said Coach Jessica Redmond.
“They are going to be an integral part of our game this year,” Redmond said. “With a brand-new team, we are adjusting … Versatility is going to be our strength. Having the opportunity to move players around based on the teams we play will help.”
ST. JOHN VIANNEY, HOLMDEL
The Lancers’ boys soccer team returns numerous players from last year’s Shore Conference B-Central Division champions that finished 10-5-2.
“If we can stay healthy, we hope to compete deep into the Shore Conference Tournament and Non-Public A sectional tournament,” coach Ryan Tetro said.
Key offensive returnees are seniors Anthony Marano (14 goals, 10 assists) and Kyle DiMarco (10 goals, 17 assists). Junior forward Mason Boles (8 goals, 5 assists) “should be one of the premier strikers in the Shore Conference,” said Tetro. SJV has “a pair of dynamic junior playmakers” in Alex Cardenas and Alex Siniscalchi, who will join senior captain and center-mid Jack Scheuing in the midfield.
The entire defensive unit returns with juniors Isaiah Boone and Luke Noble at center backs and Ethan Bellone and captain Dylan Smith on the outside. Academy transfer Logan French should make an impact, Tetro said.
ST. ROSE, BELMAR
At the top of the St. Rose athletic department, Julia Barnes replaces Bruce Peragallo as athletic director and will also take over for Kristin Simon as athletic trainer.
Barnes has ample athletic training experience, beginning at Old Dominion University and serving at various levels at Henry Hudson High School, the Hazlet Township school system, Raritan High School, the Jersey Shore Men’s Basketball League and the NJ 87’s Junior League ice hockey teams. Barnes has a master’s degree in educational administration and supervision from Rutgers Graduate School of Education and served as administrative aide to the Hazlet principal.
“Although this is my first position as an athletic director, the transition [from athletic trainer] to athletic director seemed a natural expansion of my skill sets,” she said.
Barnes brings a strong set of Christian values to the job, stating that they “enhance my roles as an educator, athletic trainer and administrator. All my roles focus on helping our student athletes to overcome challenges and achieve success. Faith is one of the strongest tools we have to guide students through their daily obstacles on and off the field.”
St. Rose also has two new fall coaches as Brian Swider takes over the boys soccer team and Bob O’Brien is the new girls tennis coach.
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