BOYS LACROSSE

Senior Jacob Vasquez is a prototypical crease defender with solid stick skills. He will play alongside senior James Troller, whose hockey experience is apparent when he gets physical on ground balls. Juan Castrillon, a sophomore, will start on defense, as well.

Senior Deven Desai is back to start at goalie. Desai moves well and is technically sound, and can make the routine and tough saves.

Clifton’s top returning player is midfielder Nate Ceneri. A junior, he is equally adept on both ends of the field and has both a left and right hand. He will be joined by senior Gavin Quinones, a strong dodger who can shoot from anywhere. Sophomore Colton Sargo, who has club experience, will complete the trio. Sophomore Chase Avalon will be the Mustangs’ longstick middy, and sophomore Alexander Moore will see time in the midfield rotation when not playing attack.

On attack, Moore will team with sophomore Joseph Petriella and freshman Benjamin Smith to form a talented young offensive group.

Velez hopes that the squad can develop into a successful one and hopes that he can use the program’s history to show his players that Clifton can be a force in Passaic County.

“I have known of the traditions and past success from the 1970s,” Velez said. “I am not sure if the [current players] know that. It is super important to know where Clifton lacrosse has been and where it can get back to.”

Clifton girls lacrosse made some strides last spring. Now, it’s all about turning a corner. The Mustangs enter this season looking to build on an 8-13 season that saw them win three of their last four games and continue to trend the program in the right direction.

“It shows that we are getting somewhere,” said head coach Amanda Gryszkin. “We are taking baby steps and other teams know that we aren’t going to back down. We come to play, we learn, and the girls work hard.”

Clifton’s midfield is certainly solid, with senior Kaylee Miller bringing experience, good stick skills and a high lacrosse I.Q. to the field. Junior Carly Stoepker figures to be a key offensive contributor and sophomore Meagan Valido is a second-year starter with the talent to be the cornerstone of the program for the next few years.

On the attack will be junior Ottilia Kedl and sophomores Emelia Wilk and Brianna Moyse. Members of the Clifton midfield will likely rotate in as attackmen, as well.

Briana Moyse, Kailyn Rodriguez, Gianna Colon, Paris Arroyo, Taina LaBril. Middle row: Ella Carlo, Kayle Miller, Meagan Valido, Amanda Presutto, Carly Stoepker, Emilia Wilk, Jailyn Rodriguez, Violet Hernandez, Jahayra Herrera Apreza. Back row: Angie Eljerou, Zayda Murphy, Kate Acre, Natalie Leach, Olivia Irala, Viviana Santiago, Ottilia Kedl, Casey Wellins, Layla Lampignano, Saleena Boutros-Sparios, Jianna Kennedy.

The defense will be a rotation of juniors in Zayda Murphy, Kate Arce, Casey Wellins and Amanda Presutto and senior first-year player Natalie Leach. Freshman Gianna Tolon is taking the place of now-graduated AlyseTurk in the goal. “I do think I have a very versatile group,” Gryszkin said. “It’s just about fitting the pieces of the puzzle together.”