Manasquan girls lacrosse makes a statement: 'Bring it every single time'

RUMSON —The unbeaten Manasquan girls lacrosse team had its biggest test Tuesday against reigning state champ Rumson-Fair Haven.

And just like the last two regular season meetings, the game was decided by one goal. However, unlike those same two meetings, the Warriors were on the victorious side of the 10-9 matchup. Tough battles appear to be a reccurring theme between the two, but the senior-heavy Manasquan group wouldn’t want it any other way.

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“I love it,” said Manasquan goalie Kiki Noe on the tight games. “I think it makes it so fun, we were so hyped going into this game and I think when we keep it this close and hyped up we all have more fun.”

Turning points

The game went back and forth for three quarters which had the Bulldogs leading most of the time. It wasn’t until 7:29 was left in the game when a Kali Saito score from a Bianca Chiarella assist to give Manasquan the lead for the first time to make the score 9-8.

The Bulldogs came storming back in the last minute with a Mia Milkowski score with 16 seconds left to bring the deficit to 10-9. Ohio State University commit Abby Boyle won the face-off right after for Rumson before they stormed down the field with precise passing, and right before a Bulldog was about to get a shot off next to the crease, the clock hit zero — Warriors won.

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“Well when it came to me at the end they were just down one, I trusted my defense,” said Noe who had six saves. “We’ve been playing really well stopping the ball in the middle the whole time, I just kind of not get in my head and I have trust in my defense.”

Inside look at Manasquan: Why this was a statement win

The Warriors have 12 seniors on the team with hopes of going past the Shore Conference Tournament semifinals (they lost to Rumson-Fair Haven) and group semifinals from last year. With their now 6-0 start to the season, including this statement win, they’re on the right track to making this spring a memorable season.

“They’re working really hard,” said Manasquan head coach Maria Eldridge. "You can sense it that they really want it this year, they’re a huge senior class, they want this as this is the last time they’re going to get out their and play together so they’re coming out to bring it every single time.”

Squan’s upperclass experience, elite defense

The senior class is keeping Manasquan in the Shore's elite level. Noe before Tuesday hadn't let up more than six goals. She’s been a big part of the Warriors' defense being so stiff when it comes to preventing points going up on the board.

“She’s actually amazing,” Eldridge said about Noe. “I don’t know how she stays so calm, cool, and collected and the girls I think last year relied on her so much so I think she just wanted to stay in the action today.”

In addition, the Warriors do a lot of flawless switching and communicating on defense. They are able to not only slide their feet to stay in front of the ball, but are always vocal when a pass is thrown. Experience and chemistry plays a factor when counting in that these girls have been playing together for a lot of years. And throw in the fact they study each opponent, and they’re already mentally prepped before they step on the field.

“Defensively I think we know what we need to do,” said senior Belle Porazzo. "For defense we study our girls, like Ms. Eldridge will tell us the night before or like a week before, we’ll go through film and stuff. And I think a big part of our defense is we want to win, and we’ll do whatever we need to do to win.”

“I think I’ve been playing the longest with Julianna (Farinacci), Kali, Talia (Blum), Bianca, and Madeline Johnson because of Shark River and Jersey Shore Select, our travel team,” she added.

Squan’s biggest offensive strength: They’re ‘all drivers’

The Warriors use a lot of motion on offense trying to get players to get an open look towards the goal. Whether it’s using screens, random cutters, or just going one on one, Manasquan likes to spread the defense out and get to work.

“We’re all drivers,” said Porazzo explaining the offense. “We always come to the conclusion that when we’re in a timeout if one’s tired we let Talia drive. We can all drive.”

Even in traffic, Manasquan still manages to get the ball in front of the net with sharp passing. They wear down on their opponents with all of the movement on offense, and they are also lethal in the fast break because of it. It’s not often they make bad passes that their teammate can’t catch.

“We’re also very good cutters we have a great person that could pass through six people in Talia. She can pass through anybody and she can make it to your stick no matter what,” said Porazzo.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: NJ Shore girls lacrosse: Manasquan, Rumson-Fair Haven in showdown