CROSS RIVER, N.Y. - Last year, John Jay saw its season come to an end with a sectional loss to Somers, and the graduation of several seniors has left the roster short on experience.
“Amelia Inglis,” said coach Jess McDonough, “she’s our only senior.”
Still, McDonough believes her young team is ready to rise to the challenge.
She begins in goal, where Riley McCaffery and Ellie Inglis step in to replace Molly Gallagher. “They are coming in with positive energy. They are listening to the coaches, they are responding and communicating,” said McDonough. “Both are taking ownership of the defense, so we’re very excited.”
In front of them, Kait Condon, Sarah Swiderski and Keely Tucker will help anchor the defense, while Marcy Marcela, Briar Cindrich, Sawyer Hall and Sophia Rajamani bring new energy to the unit.
“We have three different defenses that we’re implementing,” said the coach. “So we’re eager to see which one works best.”
Further up the field, experience begins to show. “We’re returning Fin Degl, Dylan Hill and May Viders,” said McDonough. “They are energetic players and don’t seem to have an off button.”
Clara Bazaar will also join the mix and is expected to fit right in. “Working well together,” McDonough said, “they are fast-paced and move the ball effectively.”
On attack, John Jay will keep a strong sense of familiarity. Coco and Amelia Inglis will line up alongside Cait and Erin Brennan, with Ava Cerventas adding to the group.
“They move the ball pretty fast,” McDonough said.
Behind the goal, however, the coach is still evaluating her options. “We’ll be moving players in and out, waiting to see what works best,” she said.
In the end, McDonough believes the team’s focus will determine its success. “We are focusing on process goals over outcome goals,” she concluded.
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