By, Jake Karp

To no surprise, the Lakers remain atop the pedestal, claiming their 6th straight NJSIAA Sectional Championship in dominant fashion.

The outcome was hardly in doubt, as Mountain Lakes dominated possession from the very start. About twenty minutes in, they found the back of the net and never looked back from there.

Senior Abigail Hawes, delivered one of the most electrifying performances of the state tournament this year, scoring four goals in the win. Senior Maya Ritchie, Emily Tamayo, and Ashton Parker each contributed a goal as well. Assists came from Maya Ritchie (3), Daisy Duda (2), and Abigail Hawes.

“It was such a team win. I couldn’t have done it without [my teammates], those wingers play such a crucial part in our game…opening up the middle to get [us] those shots,” said Hawes, who leads the Liberty Division in goals.

Mountain Lakes is in the midst of a dynasty, chasing their third straight Group Championship and third under head coach, Sean Maurizi. Maurizi has led the Lakers to a 19-3 record this season; 2nd place in the NJAC.

“We just want to go all the way. We want that three-peat… I think that is something that makes this team so special is the hunger every single day to win,” Lakers Emma Mcaullife (back/mid) said looking ahead to the Sectional Semi-Final.

Despite the deflating end to the season for Verona, the Hillbillies have much to be proud of. Fourth-year head coach Teddy Niziolek led the team to its most wins since 2014 and their first Group finals appearance since 2017, finishing with a 13-7-1 record, and 5th place in the SEC.

Mountain Lakes sets their sights on the upcoming Group 1, Semi-final matchup with 16-2-2, Kittatinny this Monday at 2pm.