Girls’ Lacrosse Wraps Up Season with Steady Momentum

The GSB Girls’ Lacrosse program ended their season strong, winning four of their last six games and carrying strong momentum into next year’s campaign.

The Knights finished the 2021-22 season with a record of 5-10 while competing against some of the top teams in the state, including Voorhees, Immaculata, and Somerville. Early season practices and bonding activities helped Head Coach Denise Wilson’s squad come together as a unit.

“Over Spring Break, we practiced at Iron Peak Dome and the GSB Turf in the morning,” said Coach Wilson.

“Our afternoons were filled with a variety of activities that the girls could pick and choose: goat yoga, clay building, ninja course/wall climbing, glass blowing, and CPR certification. It’s about the team, not just the sport. That’s what makes me so proud of my girls.”

While the roster faced tough matchups, the team also battled roster adversity due to injuries and illness. In many games, the team operated with a small bench of only two substitutes. Despite the battles, Coach Wilson was proud of the team’s resolve.

“The girls had to focus and push that much harder,” said Coach Wilson. “They learned faster and stayed strong despite the overall lack of roster numbers.”

The team’s steady progress ultimately earned them the 11th seed in the NJSIAA Non-Public B State Tournament. In the first round, the Knights took rival Morristown-Beard down to the wire before ultimately falling 11-12. Senior Kayla Palaia put on an incredible offensive effort, netting six goals in her final postseason appearance. The game was Coach Wilson’s favorite game of the year because of the team’s composure, determination, and positive support.

“It was a beautiful thing to watch and be a part of,” reflected Coach Wilson. “Even the referees came over to me after it was over and said how impressed they were. Such a proud coach moment!”

Freshman midfielder Tessa Lozner ’25 paced the Knights’ offense this season, leading the team with 46 goals and 7 assists over 15 games. Senior Kayla Palaia and junior Ava DiCesare’s all-around game was also crucial to the team’s late season success. Palaia recorded 27 goals and 34 ground balls while playing every position on field and DiCesare contributing 16 goals and 30 ground balls while also hitting a career mark with over 100 draws won.

Junior goalkeeper Paige Brucker was a calming presence on defense, stepping up in crucial situations to make 154 saves this season, including the 200th of her career.

“This year we had 19 players all of varying skill levels, but they played well as one unified team,” said Coach Wilson.” “They were able to improve their skills and lacrosse IQ so that they could change things up and play different positions to accommodate the team’s needs.”

“I was especially proud of our defense this year. Stat sheets put an emphasis on offense, but don’t always demonstrate great double teams, slides, trails, or outlet passes. Our team defense has come such a far way this year and helped open space for our shooters to use. It was amazing to watch this team grow.”

Coach Wilson believes this year’s senior leadership displayed by Palaia, Belle Campion, Lea Gnoy, Sydney Goldberg, Lily Micera, and Katie Scott will serve as a catalyst for the program’s growth.

“These six seniors are fantastic leaders on and off the field,” said Coach Wilson. “Belle, Kayla, and Lily were key contributors for four years. Sydney and Lea each gave us two great seasons and stepped up big in crucial spots. Katie was injured this season but was an incredible help at practice and games to keep the team focused and up for any task.”

2022 Season Photos