Girls Lacrosse: Hunteron Central advances to group final

HILLSBOROUGH— Gabby Vitale is kind of like The Shadow out on the lacrosse field.

Actually, her athletic superhero name would be The Backer, as she plays the defensive backer position, jostling behind her teammate defender who is playing the opposition carrying the ball. She shadows her, making sure nothing gets by.

The scheme worked near perfectly for Hunterdon Central in its 16-5 win Tuesday over second-seeded Hillsborough in the North 2 Group IV semifinal. The third-seeded Red Devils next play in Friday’s championship against No. 1 Bridgewater-Raritan, which beat fourth-seeded Westfield 16-6 in Tuesday’s other semifinal.

There was some intrigue entering the game because Hillsborough won the April 5 season opener 16-12. Since then, the Red Devils started clicking and have now won 12 of 14 games. Along the way, they captured the Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex Tournament title with a win over Sparta on May 15.

A big reason for that turnaround has been the defensive play. Vitale played midfield and defense last season, but she had to adjust to her new role this spring.

“She stepped up huge today,” Hunterdon Central coach Jillian Nealon said. “She was a difference maker. She created a lot of turnovers. She helped pick up open cutters. The biggest thing were the turnovers. She was knocking down passes left and right. So that was huge.”

Vitale started playing in middle school, which was relatively late to some of her teammates. It’s taken her a while to find her niche.

“I’m still fairly new compared to all these other girls who’ve been playing since like they’re in third and fourth grade.” Vitale said. “This year I found my role. So it was really important.”

Of course, the whole Hunterdon Central team played huge.

They gained possession and played possessed. At times, it was quick strikes. Other times, it was playing keep away, gliding into the end zone behind the net, setting the play and shaving time off the clock. Everything seemed to work. Offensively, Hunterdon Central operated like a crafty pitcher changing speeds.

“We were trying to look for that balance between going with the fast break when it was there, but settling down, working time off the clock when it wasn’t,” Nealon said. “We have a lot of talent, but right now they’re really playing well together from the defense all the way up to the attacking side. They’re being patient. They’re playing under composure.”

There was no panic after the slow start with a tough schedule as Nealon knew the talent she had. Nine seniors returned from an 18-3 team that reached the group semifinals. Among the adjustments the team made were improving on the draw, creating turnovers and better shot selection.

“You have to come out and have fun,” said Catie Perkins, who had a goal and four assists. “I think that’s where all of our big possessions come from. We just come out with energy and we all want to be here. And we come out with heart.”

Tuesday, Lauren Shaw led the way offensively with seven goals and four assists. Nealon said, “She drives to the goal well. She’s quick. She’s agile. She’s got a wicked shot. So she’s a fun player to coach.” Additionally, Gabby Jones got the hat trick, Danielle Livornese and Brynn Winiarski each scored twice.

After the game, Nealon congratulated the team in the huddle, then had a message—see you at practice tomorrow. Hunterdon Central has more lacrosse to be played this spring.