Cunningham leads Caseys over Devils

By Walter J. O’Neill, Jr. (Publication: Volume 11, Issue 30)

It was an opening-season upset and surprise for the Caseys of Red Bank Catholic
as they defeated one of the best lacrosse programs in the state, the Blue
Devils of Shore Regional. The two teams meet on Saturday, with the Caseys
taking the 9-8 victory.

Lisa Caprioni, head coach at Red Bank Catholic, said that Shore Regional under
the leadership of Chris Raichle, head coach, has been one of the premier
programs in the Shore Conference and the state for over a decade. “Our girls
really worked hard for that win,” said Caprioni. “I’m not just talking about
what they did on the field, but what they did in the offseason.”

“Early in the second half they were up 7-3 on us,” said Caprioni. The Caseys
never panicked; they were led by senior midfielder Kaitlyn Cunningham. “She
scored six of our nine goals, including the game winner with 1:09 left in the
game on an eight meter shot.”

Red Bank Catholic held the Blue Devils scoreless the last 19 minutes of the
game. The other Caseys to get a goal were Maeve Cowley and Grace Fallon, both
sophomores, and Victoria Brown, a junior. “I also have to praise our
goalkeeper, Rebecca Barile, a junior,” said Caprioni. “She only started playing
that position three weeks ago, and did a great job.” She had six saves in the
cage for the Caseys.

Caprioni also wanted to thank her coaching staff for working with the players.
Joe Nappo is the defensive coordinator; Kim Deberaux and Greer McCarthy are the
freshman and JV coaches who also put in extra time helping the varsity players.

Chelsea Henderson, a senior midfielder at Shore Regional, led the Blue Devils
with four of her team’s goals. Fellow senior Alyson Chwatek added two goals and
had one assist for the Blue Devils in the loss. Amanda Olsen, the junior
goalkeeper, had eight saves for Shore.

Photo: Jack Flaherty