Senior trio leads Lenape to title

WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. - After one of the most aggressive performances of her career, Courtney Norton had to be tired.

But it didn't show as she hoisted two of her best friends onto her back - at the same time.

Rena Carabases jumped on Norton's back first. And then Nicole Donnelly leaped onto Carabases to the delight of a crowd of parents and teammates, almost all of them holding cameras.

And as onlookers approached the photo shoot with curiosity, one parent noted:

"They've been doing this same picture forever."

The three seniors for the Lenape girls' lacrosse team have been playing sports together for most of their lives. And it was fitting that the three should hark back to their childhood together after the biggest win they've experienced.

Each was phenomenal and each scored three goals in the Indians' 11-9 win over Ridge on Saturday in the Group 4 state final at Monmouth University.

"This means so much. This team worked so hard this entire season," said Norton, whose team moves on to the Tournament of Champions semifinals Wednesday. "It makes it even more special that the three seniors - the only three on the team - were all able to contribute."

Norton was hot from the start, dominating the midfield and helping set the tone on the offensive and defensive ends

Donnelly and Carabases, best friends moving on to St. Joseph's next season, displayed a fluid chemistry impossible to ignore.

The game-winning goal was a perfect illustration.

With 7 minutes, 23 seconds left, Carabases hit a streaking Donnelly, who scored from just in front of the net to give Lenape a 10-9 lead.

"That's been our signature play, always," Carabases said. "It was her coming off a screen and being wide open in front of the net, and me making a sidearm pass. It's always there."

The game had several big swings. Lenape (21-1) jumped out to a 6-0 lead on three goals by Carabases and one each by Donnelly, Norton, and Natalie Peel.

Ridge (19-4), featuring one of the best transition offenses in the state, eventually tied the score at 8 with 16:07 left.

Lenape held on thanks to its poise, including strong play down the stretch by goalie Rebecca Wilen.

Lenape 8 3 – 11

Ridge 5 4 – 9

Goals: L-Rena Carabases 3, Courtney Norton 3, Nicole Donnelly 3, Gabrielle Fornia, Natalie Peel; R-Devon Brown 4, Mackenzie Bori 2, Amanda Bosland, Hannah Quigley 2.

Saves: L-Rebecca Wilen 13; R-Jamie DeWitt 8.